Colonoscopy is a medical procedure that uses a colonoscope to look inside the rectum and colon. Colonoscopy can show irritated and swollen tissue, ulcers, polyps, and cancer.

When is colonoscopy used?

A colonoscopy is used to help a doctor find the cause of symptoms, such as bleeding from the anus; changes in bowel activity (diarrhea); pain in the abdomen; unexplained weight loss.

The doctor also uses colonoscopy as a screening tool for colon polyps and cancer. Screening is testing for diseases when the patient has no symptoms. Screening may find diseases at an early stage.

What happens during a colonoscopy?

During a colonoscopy, the doctor uses a colonoscope, a long, flexible, tubular instrument about 1/2 inch in diameter that transmits an image of the lining of the colon so the doctor can examine it for any abnormalities. The colonoscope is inserted through the rectum and advanced to the other end of the large intestine.

If the doctor sees something that may be abnormal, small amounts of tissue can be removed for analysis (called a biopsy), and abnormal growths, or polyps, can be identified and removed. In many cases, colonoscopy allows accurate diagnosis and treatment without the need for a major operation.

What happens after a colonoscopy?

– After a colonoscopy, the anesthesia takes time to wear off completely. So, the patient will stay in the recovery room for about 1-2 hours after the procedure.

– The patient may feel cramping in the abdomen or bloating during the first hour after the procedure.

– If the doctor removed polyps or performed a biopsy, the patient may have light bleeding from the anus. This bleeding is normal. Then, the biopsy tissue will examine by the pathologist and the results will appear within a few days.

What are the risk of colonoscopy?

The risk of colonoscopy include:

1. Abdominal Pain or Discomfort

This is the most common side effect of colonoscopy. The patient might feel cramping or bloat afterward. These could happen because the doctor may use air to inflate the colon so they can get a better view. The doctor might use water or a suction device as well as certain surgical tools to take off a polyp that can move and stretch the colon, so the patient might feel uncomfortable for 1-2 days afterward.

2. Bleeding

Bleeding after a colonoscopy could happen because the doctor had to take a tissue sample or remove a polyp. If the bleeding won’t stop or if there’s a lot of blood, contact the doctor immediately for further treatment.

3. A Bad Reaction to Anesthesia

Some people can have a serious reaction to the anesthesia, such as heart or breathing problems. Tell the medical team if you have an allergy to certain drugs.

4. Postpolypectomy Electrocoagulation Syndrome

If there is a polyp that needs to be removed, the doctor will usually use a tool with an electrical current to seal the area. It’s rare, but this current can go too deep, burn and cause inflammation of the tissue. This might cause abdominal pain, fever, and, a fast heart rate. Most patients will feel better after taking antibiotics for 2 or 3 days.

5. Infection

Colonoscopy tools can be hard to clean and disinfect. Although it rarely happens, the tools might carry bacteria such as E.coli, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, or viruses like hepatitis B or C.

6. Perforated Intestine

The tools that use for colonoscopy could push too hard against the colon. This can cause a small tear in the intestines. If this happens, the doctor will perform minor surgery to fix it.

7. Colonoscopy Prep Risk

Before a colonoscopy, the patient must empty the colon so the doctor can get a clear picture. The doctor will give directions to use a strong laxative as a bowel preparation. Some types of laxatives can cause dehydration or electrolyte problems in some people (elderly, people with heart, kidney, bowel disease, and pregnant women).

8. Post-Colonoscopy Complications

Call the doctor immediately if you have the following symptoms:

• Severe pain or cramping in the belly
• A hard belly
• Trouble passing gas or defecating
• Fever
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Frequent or severely bloody bowel movements
• Rectal bleeding that won’t stop

Source: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/colonoscopy

https://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/colonoscopy-what-you-need-to-know

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