Colonoscopy
The term "colonoscopy" means looking inside the colon. The colon, also known as the large bowel, is the last portion of
your gastrointestinal tract. It starts at the cecum, which is connected to your small intestine, and ends at your rectum.
The colon is a hollow tube, measuring five feet in length, and its main function is to store food byproducts prior to
their elimination.
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Colonoscopy
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ERCP
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EUS
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Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
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Liver Biospy
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Stretta
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Upper GI Endoscopy
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A colonoscope is used in performing this procedure. A colonoscope is a long, thin, flexible tube with a miniature video
camera and light at its end. The gastroenterologist will infuse a little bit of air into the colon as he inserts the
scope. The camera on the end helps the physician both guide the colonoscope throughout the length of the colon and take
pictures of the colon.
This procedure also allows other instruments to be passed through the colonoscope. For example, forceps may be used to
painlessly remove a suspicious looking growth for analysis. In this way, a colonoscopy may help to avoid surgery or better
determine what kind of surgery needs to be performed.
Colonoscopies are most commonly performed in colorectal cancer screening and prevention. It is also increasingly used to
evaluate problems such as blood loss, pain, and changes in bowel habits. During the colonoscopy, the gastroenterologist
can remove polyps with a procedure called "polypectomy."
Patients remain comfortable throughout the procedure with the help of intravenous sedation. The drugs enable the patients
to remain awake throughout the procedure, but will most likely prevent the patient from remembering the experience.
Because of the air that is introduced into the colon, patients may feel cramping and fullness, but not any acute pain.
The duration of the procedure is normally about 30 minutes. Afterwards, the patient will wait in the recovery room
while the anesthetic wears off. Due to the lingering effects from the sedation, the patient cannot drive or work for
the remainder of the day, and therefore must have a ride home. All feelings of bloating and cramping should fade
within 24 hours.
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