Why and who needs a colonoscopy, also known as a colonoscopy? What is the procedure and preparation?
Colonoscopy is a test used to examine or diagnose bowel cancer and other bowel diseases. A colonoscope is a tiny camera mounted on a long, flexible tube that is used to examine the entire length of the colon. It can be used to take tissue samples and remove any polyps, as well as to stop bleeding.
Colonoscopy is often performed to check what is causing bowel symptoms such as:
Many people have polyps in their intestines, which are tiny growths and in most cases are harmless. However, sometimes they can become cancerous tumours and may be removed and examined during a colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy can be used to look for bowel diseases such as:
Colonoscopy can be performed without or with anaesthesia. The procedure is painless, rather than uncomfortable. At the Wáberer Medical Center, most procedures are performed under a superficial anaesthetic, which puts the patient into a deep stupor and then into a sleeping state. They will be fully awake within half an hour to an hour after the procedure. A big advantage is that the patient is spared any unpleasant experiences and can typically return to their daily activities quickly.
Before the examination, the patient is asked to lie on the examination table with legs raised. During a colonoscopy, your doctor will insert a flexible tube with a camera at the end into your anus and then up into your rectum and colon. Air is then passed into the colon to help it dilate. The doctor looks for abnormal tissue and takes a sample (biopsy) for further tests. The procedure usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
Before the colonoscopy, the bowel must be cleaned to allow the bowel to pass through during the examination. It is important that you always follow the instructions given to you so that you do not have to repeat the procedure.
Changes in diet
A few days before your colonoscopy, you may be advised to avoid foods high in fibre, such as fruit, vegetables, brown rice, wholemeal pasta, bran, cereals, nuts and seeds. Only empty soup is recommended at noon the day before the procedure.
Detailed preparation material on pre-examination dietary preparation will be sent in each case and must be strictly adhered to. The procedure can only be carried out if the intestinal walls have been cleansed of all contamination as far as possible.
Taking prescribed laxatives
You may be prescribed a strong laxative 12-18 hours before the test. This is taken orally as a liquid or tablet and causes watery diarrhoea, which helps to empty the bowel.
Drinking clear liquids
Your doctor may also advise you to drink only liquids such as water, broth, black tea and coffee, and pure fruit juice (without pulp) 12 to 24 hours before the test. This will help prevent you from becoming dehydrated.
Preventive tests
Polyps can occur in the colon and are benign, but they can become malignant over time and should be removed.
Removed polyps are sent for histological examination, which takes about 10-14 days to process. However, in order to safely remove them, we need to know your coagulation parameters (INR, blood count), which we ask you to bring to the examination! You can obtain these results by taking a blood sample, which we can do in our ground floor laboratory at an appointment booked by you – Call our Call Centre for an appointment.
If you are on anticoagulants, these may need to be temporarily suspended, please check with your doctor as some medicines need to be discontinued 5 to 7-10 days before the procedure, while newer types of medicines need to be discontinued up to 48 hours before the procedure.
If you wish to have the test done in a substitute, we will send you a risk assessment questionnaire to be completed in the days before the procedure to ensure your safety.
Colonoscopy can be performed under or without anaesthesia. The procedure is painless, rather than uncomfortable. At the Wáberer Medical Center, most procedures are performed under a superficial anaesthetic, which puts the patient into a deep stupor and then into a sleeping state.
Superficial anaesthesia is a gentle procedure, so if someone is apprehensive about the examination, they can feel completely safe and spared any discomfort and return to their daily activities quickly.
After the procedure, you will be closely monitored by our professionals in a safe environment, and then progressively reduced, to ensure that you are followed until you are well again (pulse and blood pressure are stable, you are not dizzy, you are able to dress, you have drunk and eaten). On average, this takes 40-90 minutes.
The doctor who performs the procedure will inform you of the results of the procedure and what to do if you are properly awake.
The procedure requires preparation, so it’s in your best interest to prepare carefully by changing your diet, doing laxative intake, completing a pre-anaesthetic risk questionnaire, avoiding any blood-clotting medication and reading other documents.
If you need a comprehensive gastroenterological examination, contact the excellent specialists at Wáberer Medical Center! Call us at +36-1-323-7000 or book an appointment online on our website quickly and easily!
