What
Is Colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy
is a safe and effective procedure that
allows the doctor to visually examine
the entire lining of the colon and rectum
using a colonoscope (a long flexible
tube about the thickness of a finger).
The colonoscope is inserted into the
rectum and gradually advanced through
the colon. The doctor is able to carefully
examine the lining of the rectum and
diagnose colon and rectal problems, perform
biopsies, and remove polyps. Who
Should Have Colonoscopy?
The
doctor may recommend a colonoscopy to:
- Examine
and possibly remove polyps or
tumors located by a barium enema
exam.
- Monitor
patients with a past history
of colon polyps or cancer, or
with a strong family history
of colon cancer.
- Examine
patients who test positive for
blood in the stool.
- Check
inflammatory bowel disease (colitis).
- Check
unexplained abdominal symptoms
or change in bowel habits.
- Identify
cause of unexplained bleeding.
How
Is Colonoscopy Performed?
A
colonoscopy is done in an outpatient
setting. Patients take an oral preparation
to cleanse the bowel the day before the
procedure. The colonoscope is inserted
into the rectum and gradually advanced
through the colon. There may be some
abdominal cramping. The doctor may prescribe
medicine to relax the patient and help
ease any discomfort. The entire procedure
usually takes less than an hour. The
patient usually may resume normal activities
the following day. When
Is A Biopsy Done?
If
the doctor sees an area in the bowel
that needs further evaluation, a biopsy
forceps can be passed through the colonoscope
to take a sample of tissue (biopsy).
This sample will be sent to the hospital
lab. Biopsies are taken for many reasons
and do not necessarily mean that cancer
is suspected. What
Is a Polypectomy?
Polypectomy
is the removal of a polyp. During the
course of the examination, a polyp may
be found. Polyps are abnormal growths
of tissue which vary in size from a tiny
dot to several inches. If the doctor
feels that removal of the polyp is indicated,
he will pass a wire loop or snare through
the colonoscope and remove the polyp
from the intestinal wall using an electrical
current. If additional polyps are detected,
they may be removed as well. The patient
should feel no pain during polyp removal.
Polyps
are usually removed because they
can cause bleeding, contain cancer,
or be a precursor of cancer. Although
the majority of polyps are benign
(non-cancerous) and removable through
the colonscope, a small percentage
may contain an area of cancer in
them or may develop into cancer.
Removal of colon polyps therefore
is an important means of prevention
of colon cancer, which is a leading
form of cancer in the United States.
Related
Topics
What
Is a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?
More Information on Colorectal
Cancer
Hereditary Factors |
