Colonoscopy

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Colonoscopy

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), 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.