Lower GI Endoscopy (Colonoscopy)
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is examination of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The colonoscope is used to look inside the colon through its long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny video camera and a light on the end. By adjusting the various controls on the colonoscope, the gastroenterologist can carefully guide the instrument in any direction to look at the inside of the colon. The high-quality picture from the colonoscope is shown on a TV monitor and gives a clear, detailed view.
Preparation for Colonoscopy
Medication will be administered intravenously before the procedure to make you sleepy and relaxed. The medication will be monitored and adjusted during the procedure if needed.
As you lie on your left side, the doctor will examine your rectum with a gloved, lubricated finger. Then he will insert the lubricated flexible colonoscope. This action will give you a mild sensation of wanting to move your bowels. As the colonoscope is carefully advanced through the colon, the doctor will examine the bowel lining thoroughly. You may feel some cramping or gas due to the air which the doctor is putting into the colon. You may be asked to change positions during the procedure to assist in passage of the colonoscope.
Often a biopsy specimen (a tiny bit of tissue) is taken for microscopic examination. If you have a polyp, it may be removed by electrocautery through the colonoscope. You will not feel any sensation or discomfort when the biopsy is performed or when the polyp is removed.
After the Colonoscopy
Many people do not recall any of the procedure due to the effect of the sedation medicine. After the procedure, you will be moved to the outpatient recovery room for observation. You will probably feel drowsy and may sleep for a short time. You may feel some bloating from the residual air remaining in the colon and will feel more comfortable if you expel this air.
You cannot drive home, as you will be drowsy. You physician may remind you that you are not to return to work, operate any machinery or drink alcohol following the exam.
Before you leave, the doctor will discuss the finding with you. The discharge nurse will give you written instructions to follow when you get home. If a specimen is taken, your physician will instruct you regarding how to obtain your results .
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is examination of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The colonoscope is used to look inside the colon through its long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny video camera and a light on the end. By adjusting the various controls on the colonoscope, the gastroenterologist can carefully guide the instrument in any direction to look at the inside of the colon. The high-quality picture from the colonoscope is shown on a TV monitor and gives a clear, detailed view.
Preparation for Colonoscopy
- If you take aspirin, NSAIDS, arthritis or blood-thinning medication, please notify your physician. These medications may need to be stopped several days before the colonoscopy.
- Clear liquid diet the day before the exam, then nothing by mouth after midnight except the laxative, if ordered.
- Please refrain from bringing valuables to the hospital.
- Please confirm your medications with your physician prior to the procedure.
- Inform physician and the GI nurse to any known medication allergies.
- Be prepared to sign a consent form authorizing the doctor to perform the procedure.
- Remove eyeglasses prior to the procedure.
- Dentures may be removed prior to the procedure.
- You may prefer to remove contact lenses.
- You will not be able to drive home after the procedure, so please make transportation arrangements.
Medication will be administered intravenously before the procedure to make you sleepy and relaxed. The medication will be monitored and adjusted during the procedure if needed.
As you lie on your left side, the doctor will examine your rectum with a gloved, lubricated finger. Then he will insert the lubricated flexible colonoscope. This action will give you a mild sensation of wanting to move your bowels. As the colonoscope is carefully advanced through the colon, the doctor will examine the bowel lining thoroughly. You may feel some cramping or gas due to the air which the doctor is putting into the colon. You may be asked to change positions during the procedure to assist in passage of the colonoscope.
Often a biopsy specimen (a tiny bit of tissue) is taken for microscopic examination. If you have a polyp, it may be removed by electrocautery through the colonoscope. You will not feel any sensation or discomfort when the biopsy is performed or when the polyp is removed.
After the Colonoscopy
Many people do not recall any of the procedure due to the effect of the sedation medicine. After the procedure, you will be moved to the outpatient recovery room for observation. You will probably feel drowsy and may sleep for a short time. You may feel some bloating from the residual air remaining in the colon and will feel more comfortable if you expel this air.
You cannot drive home, as you will be drowsy. You physician may remind you that you are not to return to work, operate any machinery or drink alcohol following the exam.
Before you leave, the doctor will discuss the finding with you. The discharge nurse will give you written instructions to follow when you get home. If a specimen is taken, your physician will instruct you regarding how to obtain your results .
