A colonoscopy can help in screening for colon cancer and diagnosing other digestive health issues and diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. This screening of the colon uses an instrument called a colonoscope, which is a long, flexible tube connected to a light and video camera. The colonoscope captures images that are displayed on a video monitor to allow a physician to examine the lining of the entire colon. Instruments can also be passed through the colonoscope to remove any suspicious-looking areas or polyps, if needed.
A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure that generally takes a minimum amount of time, although it may take longer if polyp removal is involved.
Who Should Get a Colonoscopy
There are different reasons for getting a colonoscopy. If you are experiencing digestive health issues, like abdominal pain or diarrhea, a digestive health specialist on the medical staff of a Texas Health hospital may order a diagnostic colonoscopy to examine and possibly treat an issue in your lower digestive tract.
You may also have a screening colonoscopy to check for colorectal cancer. This type of colonoscopy is performed when you are not experiencing any digestive health symptoms, and the procedure is performed to detect colon polyps or colorectal cancer.
The American Cancer Society recommends that if you are of average risk for colorectal cancer that you begin screenings when you turn 45 years old. You are considered average risk for colorectal cancer if you:
- have no personal or family history of colorectal cancer or specific types of polyps
- have no personal history of inflammatory bowel disease or hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome
- have not received radiation to the abdomen or pelvic area for a prior cancer
If you have any of the above risk factors, a physician may suggest that you begin screenings earlier than 45 years old.
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Before Your Colonoscopy
You will receive instructions about how you will need to prepare the day before the procedure, which may include taking pills or drinking liquids that act as a laxative to clean out your colon, requiring you to go to the bathroom frequently.
You will need to coordinate transportation home after your colonoscopy because you will be given a sedative for the procedure.
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During Your Colonoscopy
You will be given a sedative through an IV right before your colonoscopy begins that will likely impact your ability to recall anything from the procedure. The colonoscopy will likely last half an hour to an hour depending on whether any polyps are removed.
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After Your Colonoscopy
After the colonoscopy you will be taken to a recovery area for observation while the sedative wears off. You will not be able to drive because of the sedative so your pre-arranged transportation will take you home.
You may experience bloating or cramping, due to the air used to inflate the colon for better visibility of the colon’s lining.
If any polyps were removed during the colonoscopy, samples will be sent to a lab for testing to detect any precancerous or cancerous cells.