What is the colon?

The colon, or large bowel, is the last portion of your digestive tract, or gastrointestinal tract. The colon is a hollow tube that starts at the end of the small intestine and ends at the rectum and anus. The colon is about 5 feet long, and its main function is to store unabsorbed food waste and absorb water and other body fluids before the waste is eliminated as stool.

Procedure

For the colonoscopy, you will lie on your left side on the examining table. You will be given pain medication and a moderate sedative to keep you comfortable and help you relax during the exam. The doctor and a nurse will monitor your vital signs, look for any signs of discomfort, and make adjustments as needed.

The doctor will then insert a long, flexible, lighted tube into your rectum and slowly guide it into your colon. The tube is called a colonoscope(koh-LONoh-skope). The scope transmits an image of the inside of the colon onto a video screen so the doctor can carefully examine the lining of the colon. The scope bends so the doctor can move it around the curves of your colon.

You may be asked to change positions at times so the doctor can more easily move the scope to better see the different parts of your colon. The scope blows air into your colon and inflates it, which helps give the doctor a better view. Most patients do not remember the procedure afterward.

The doctor can remove most abnormal growths in your colon, like a polyp, which is a growth in the lining of the bowel. Polyps are removed using tiny gio. care copy content Page 2 tools passed through the scope. Most polyps are not cancerous, but they could turn into cancer. Just looking at a polyp is not enough to tell if it is cancerous. The polyps are sent to a lab for testing. By identifying and removing polyps, a colonoscopy likely prevents most cancers from forming.

The doctor can also remove tissue samples to test in the lab for diseases of the colon (biopsy). Also, if any bleeding occurs in the colon, the doctor can pass a laser, heater probe, electrical probe, or special medicines through the scope to stop the bleeding. The tissue removal and treatments to stop bleeding usually do not cause pain. In many cases, a colonoscopy allows for accurate diagnosis and treatment of colon abnormalities without the need for a major operation.

During the procedure, you may feel mild cramping. You can reduce the cramping by taking several slow, deep breaths. When the doctor has finished, the colonoscope is slowly withdrawn while the lining of your bowel is carefully examined. Bleeding and puncture of the colon are possible but uncommon complications of a colonoscopy.

A colonoscopy usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. The sedative and pain medicine should keep you from feeling much discomfort during the exam. You may feel some cramping or the sensation of having gas after the procedure is completed, but it usually stops within an hour. You will need to remain at the colonoscopy facility for 1 to 2 hours so the sedative can wear off.

Rarely, some people experience severe abdominal pain, fever, bloody bowel movements, dizziness, or weakness afterward. If you have any of these side effects, contact your physician immediately. Read your discharge instructions carefully. Medications such as blood thinners may need to be stopped for a short time after having your colonoscopy, especially if a biopsy was performed or polyps were removed. Full recovery by the next day is normal and expected and you may return to your regular activities.

Colonoscopy Preparation

– Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before your procedure
– NO Hard candy, breathe mint, lozenges, chewing gum

Purchase these items ahead of time:

Golytely or Colytely or Nulytely Prep Kit (per your prescription from our office) Gatorade (no red flavors) Colonoscopy Preparation Timeline Five or more days prior to your colonoscopy:

• Arrange for a ride. If you do not have a ride, we will have to cancel the procedure. Purchase the laxative medications listed above.
• Check with your insurance carrier if you need pre-approval and that you understand your financial responsibility for the procedure. If you are having a colonoscopy for screening purposes (having no problems, but having the exam for preventative purposes), verify with your insurance company that “Screening Colonoscopy” is a covered benefit. There should be a number on the back of your insurance card to call.
• Stop taking iron and vitamins with iron five days before the colonoscopy.
• If you have sleep apnea please discuss this with your primary care physician and call to notify us at the phone number above, in advance of the procedure.
• Make any needed arrangements to be off work or school on the day of the colonoscopy. Please remember, by law, you cannot drive the rest of the day of the colonoscopy.
• Read and familiarize yourself with the preparation instructions at right.

Three days prior to your colonoscopy:

• Review and plan dietary needs for the next two days.
• Confirm your ride.
• Last chance to cancel or you will be charged a NO SHOW fee of $50
• If you have questions, please call us.

Two days prior to your colonoscopy:

• Eat well-balanced meals but avoid nuts, popcorn, raw fruit, raw vegetables, and salads.
• List any allergies and all prescription medications and non-prescription products (over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory, herbal, vitamins, etc.) you are taking. Bring these lists with you on the day of the colonoscopy.

One day prior to your colonoscopy:

• Start a Clear Liquid Diet when you get up and continue all day.
• Clear Liquid Diet

Soups:  Clear bouillon, chicken broth, vegetable broth, beef broth, or consommé.