What is colonoscopy?
It is an imaging technique performed by Digestive System specialists to explore the large intestine and the end of the small intestine (ileum).
Could you describe the procedure?
It consists of introducing a thin flexible tube through the anus with a camera (endoscope) at its distal end and being able to see the images on a television monitor. You will go to the endoscopy waiting room fasting and prepared, you must bring the consent previously given (information sheet on aspects of the test) read and signed, and if you have any doubts you can ask for clarification.
What requirements must the patient meet in order to undergo the test?
It is indicated when diseases affecting the large intestine are suspected. It allows not only to see the lesions but also to take biopsies (tissue samples) and perform local treatments such as: remove polyps, dilate narrow areas, stop bleeding, and remove foreign bodies. To perform the colonoscopy, the patient must follow a liquid diet the day before the test and ingest a special cleansing solution (which will cause diarrhea and sometimes nausea-vomiting) according to the instructions given by your doctor, since it is necessary to clean the colon of feces for a correct visualization of the mucosa; therefore, sometimes the use of enemas is also indicated. On the day of the test, you should come on an empty stomach. You should inform the doctor who performs the test if you have any drug allergy, suffer from any disease and the medication you take, especially anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents.
What are the risks of the procedure?
It is a safe test, and complications are rare, especially if the test is only diagnostic; they are greater if treatment is applied. Possible major complications include: bleeding, which is usually minimal and may appear up to several days later; perforation, which may require surgery (a rare complication); adverse reactions to the drugs administered; and complications of the underlying disease (cardiac or pulmonary), which may even lead to cardiorespiratory arrest (a very rare complication).
What instructions should the patient follow after undergoing the procedure?
Once the test has been completed, the patient will be able to leave after receiving the report of the result of the procedure and go about his or her normal activities. If the test was performed under sedation, you will remain in a recovery room beforehand until most of the sedative effects have worn off, and you should not engage in risky activities for 12 hours afterwards. It may take a few days to have a bowel movement, as the colon is cleansed after the preparation, so you should not take laxatives. If after the procedure you notice abdominal pain that does not subside with your usual painkillers, fever or expulsion of blood from the anus, you should go to the emergency room.