A colonoscopy is one of the most commonly utilized screening and treatment procedures carried out by colorectal surgeons, and it is known to be an extremely safe and painless procedure.  It is the process that is used most when screening patients for the presence of colon polyps or tumours.  If you are thought to be at high risk for developing problems with the bowel, then a regular colonoscopy will be highly recommended.  A colonoscopy is also performed every so often even if you do not have a risk for colon cancer.

What Happens During a Colonoscopy and How Does it Work?

A colonoscopy enables the entire length of the bowel to be examined for the presence of polyps or tumours.  If any are identified, then they can also be removed quickly and easily during this procedure, without needing to undergo further surgery.

The colonoscopy involves the insertion of a long, flexible tube with a camera through the anus and  into the colon..  You will be sedated during the colonoscopy.  The camera images are displayed on a monitor and this allows the doctor to clearly see the lining of the colon.  Any polyps, tumors, or other abnormalities can clearly be identified using this method.

If a polyp is identified during the screening, it can be removed during the same procedure, by many methods.  A commonly used technique is  known as snaring.  A snare is a loop of wire that will be slipped over the polyp and tightened, which cuts it away from the lining of the colon, and also cauterizes the wound to prevent any bleeding.  Polyps as small as one millimeter can be removed using this method.  They will then be examined to see whether they show any signs of becoming cancerous.  The polyp may also be removed by nibbling at it with a forceps.

During the colonoscopy, you will normally be given a sedative to help you to relax.  As a result, you will not feel pain during the procedure.   It is recommended that patients in high-risk categories undergo a colonoscopy on a regular basis,in order to identify and treat many cases of bowel cancer.  Speak with your colorectal surgeon about your individual needs.

Why Do I Need A Colonoscopy?

If you are thought to be at high risk for developing colon polyps or cancer, then you will probably be asked to undergo some form of screening, usually a colonoscopy.  This is most likely if you have a family history of bowel problems, if you have an inflammatory condition such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.  Patients older than 50 years of age are recommended to undergo screening.  .

Obesity, along with a high intake of alcohol and cigarettes, increase the risk of developing cancer.  A sedentary lifestyle is also thought to be a risk factor.  Colonoscopy screening is important because it enables problems to be identified and treated at an extremely early stage.  This reduces the need for more invasive treatments, which will be necessary if problems are not identified until much later.  It also greatly increases survival rates for bowel cancer.

What Are The Risks or Complications of a Colonoscopy?

Colonoscopies are usually considered to be extremely safe procedures.  The risks of complications are extremely low, but vary on the experience of the doctor carrying out the procedure, along with several other factors.

The most serious complication that can result from a colonoscopy is the possibility of a perforation of the colon.  The chances of this occurring are extremely low, approximately one perforation in every one thousand to three thousand procedures.  A perforation can be treated non-operatively or operatively, depending on the clinical situation.

As the patient needs to ensure that the bowel is empty prior to having the colonoscopy,  a restricted diet and the use of laxatives may also lead to some side effects.  The most common of these is dehydration, which can be avoided by drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to the procedure.  Other possible concerns about the bowel preparation include abnormalities in your blood chemistries, but this is rare.

Sedatives used during the colonoscopy may also have some adverse effects.  Nausea and vomiting are the most common side effects, and there may also be some skin irritation at the site of injection.

It is generally considered that the benefits of colonoscopy far outweigh the risks, as it enables potentially fatal conditions to be identified and treated at a very early stage, before they have become dangerous.

Contact Your Los Angeles Colorectal Surgeon to Learn More About Colonoscopy.

For further information and advice about what a colonoscopy is and whether you need one, you should contact a local colorectal surgeon, who will provide you with all the information you need in order to make a fully informed decision about your medical treatment in the future.