Colonoscopy is a procedure that enables your surgeon to examine the lining
of your colon, or large bowel. A narrow flexible tube with a tiny light
and camera at the end is gently inserted and advanced through the colon.
Your surgeon may also remove polyps, take a biopsy, or cauterize a bleeding
vessel if indicated. You will be sedated during the procedure, ensuring
that you have little to no discomfort. Most people sleep through the entire
procedure.
Colonoscopy is the gold standard test for colon polyps and prevention of
colon cancer. It is the only test that will remove polyps at the time
of the procedure.
Colorectal Cancer
Colon and rectal cancers are the second leading cause of death from cancer,
with a lifetime risk of 5.4% or every 1 in 19 people. Most colorectal
cancers begin in a polyp, and it is estimated that it takes about 10 years
for a polyp to eventually turn into a cancer.
Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Cure
The most effective prevention is a
screening colonoscopy, and clearing the colon of polyps. This can reduce your chances of colorectal
cancer by up to 90%. Polyps are found in about 20% of colonoscopies, or
1 in 5 procedures performed.
Cure of colon cancer is achieved only by surgery. Cure rates are much higher
with small early cancers. These early cancers often cause no symptoms,
and are found only with screening, such as colonoscopy. Any concerning
symptoms that develop should be evaluated with a colonoscopy.
Other things that can prevent colorectal cancer include:
High fiber, low fat diet
Maintain a healthy weight
Regular exercise
Refrain from smoking
Who Should Have a Colonoscopy?
You should have a colonoscopy if the following are true:
You are over 50
You have a family history of colon cancer or polyps in a first-degree relative
(parent, sibling, or child)
Begin at age 40, or 10 years prior to the youngest relative’s diagnosis
Family history of colon cancer in any 2 relatives
Begin at age 40, or 10 years prior to the youngest relative’s diagnosis
Personal history of colon cancer or polyps
Bleeding or anemia (low blood levels)
Symptoms, such as diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, change in bowel habits
Before, during or after some surgeries
Abnormality of the colon noted on examination or in another study
High-risk conditions including polyposis syndromes, genetic predisposition
to colon cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease
Before Your Colonoscopy
Make arrangements for someone to drive you home. You cannot be discharged
without a responsible adult. If you choose a taxi or other public transportation
you will still need someone to accompany you home.
Talk with your doctor about any medications you are taking. Some medications
may need to be stopped before surgery.
Bowel Preparation
The colon must be completely emptied of stool for the procedure to be performed.
You will be given instructions regarding the cleansing routine to be used.
If you do not get instructions, are unable to take the preparation, or
do not feel that your preparation has worked properly, please call your
surgeon. If the bowel is not cleansed of solid stool, your procedure may
have to be canceled or rescheduled.
The bowel prep is extremely important to get the best results possible.
If your surgeon cannot see the lining of the colon well, a polyp or lesion
may be missed, putting you at increased risk for colon cancer. The most
effective bowel prep is a “split prep.” This means that you
take part of the prep the evening prior to your procedure, and another
portion on the day of your procedure.
Limitations of Colonoscopy
It is not always possible to see the entire colon, but greater than 95%
of screening colonoscopies are able to evaluate the entire colon. Incomplete
examination can be due to inadequate bowel preparation, a difficult twist,
or an obstructing lesion. There are also blind spots in the colon where
a lesion may be missed. Polyps or problems may develop in the interval
period between colonoscopies. Not all cancers begin in a polyp.
Risks and Complications of Colonoscopy
Complications are rare but can occur, including bleeding and perforations
(tear). Perforations occur in less than 1 of 1,000 procedures performed
(0.1%). If you do experience a complication, it may be necessary for your
surgeon to perform an abdominal operation to stop bleeding or repair the
intestinal tear. Blood transfusions are rarely required. Reactions to
the sedatives can occur. Lesions may be missed. Other less common complications
are possible.
It is important to contact your surgeon immediately if you feel that you
may have suffered a complication, have abdominal pain, fevers, chills,
chest pain, shortness of breath, or more than a small amount of rectal bleeding.
What to Expect When Having a Colonoscopy at Sauk Prairie Healthcare
You will be asked to arrive an hour or more prior to your procedure. A
nurse will admit you and insert an IV (intravenous catheter). You will
meet with your surgeon before your procedure and will have an opportunity
to ask questions.
Sedation will be given in your IV during the procedure. The procedure is
usually well tolerated, but you may experience a feeling of pressure or
cramping at various times. Most people sleep through the procedure. It
usually lasts 15-30 minutes.
If any polyps are removed, they will be sent to pathology for analysis.
Results take less than 1 week.
After the procedure is completed, you will be observed until most of the
effects of the sedative have worn off. You may have some mild cramping
or bloating from the air that is placed during the examination. This should
quickly improve with the passage of flatus.
You should be able to eat and otherwise resume normal activities later
that day. You may not drive, operate machinery, sign legal documents,
or make important decisions after your procedure.
Your surgeon will discuss results with you and any friends or family that
you bring with you, if you wish to share the results. A written summary
of your findings will be sent home with you on the day of your procedure.
If a polyp is removed, or a biopsy taken, you will be contacted in about
1 week regarding the results.
