What is a colonoscopy?

Colonoscopies are procedures that examine the lining of the large intestine in order to screen for colorectal cancer. As the third leading cause of death globally, there are an estimated 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in the United States every year. It is estimated that screenings could help save up to 30,000 lives per year. Colonoscopies can also be used to evaluate patients for symptoms of bleeding or chronic diarrhea.

What is a colonoscopy procedure like?

To prepare for a colonoscopy, patients will be required to restrict their diets and consume a laxative or other special cleansing solution in order to clear out their colon. Most medications can be continued, but patients will want to check in with their doctor in case any can interfere with the procedure or put them at risk for potential complications.

During a colonoscopy procedure, a flexible tube is inserted through the anus and into the rectum and colon. Patients are sedated for the procedure. Using a colonoscope, a doctor views video footage of these organs, looking for any abnormalities. The procedure usually lasts around forty-five minutes. During the procedure, a doctor will investigate potential causes of symptoms if the patient is undergoing a colonoscopy to look for causes of abdominal pain, constipation, rectal bleeding, or chronic diarrhea. If the colonoscopy is being performed as a preventative screening for colorectal cancer, the doctor will look for and remove polyps and other abnormal tissue, as well as take biopsies. Polyps will be destroyed through fulguration using a technique called a snare polypectomy.

What happens after a colonoscopy?

Patients will be monitored after the procedure, and the sedatives will wear off. They may experience bloating or gas caused by the air introduced to the colon during the procedure. Patients will likely need someone to drive them home after the procedure, and their diet and activities can be limited for a period of time afterward. A patient’s colonoscopy is considered negative if there are no abnormalities found in the colon. The patient may receive a positive result if any polyps or abnormal tissues are found. Biopsies will be sent to a laboratory for further testing. A patient may need to undergo another colonoscopy procedure if more than two polyps are found, if a large polyp of more than 0.4 inches is found, if stool prevented an accurate examination, if polyps contained certain characteristics that indicated a risk of cancer, or if cancerous polyps were discovered.

Screenings such as colonoscopies can help prevent colorectal cancer. Contact Granite State Gastroenterology about scheduling a preventative colonoscopy.