The front tip of the colonoscope contains a video camera, which sends real-time images to a computer screen so that your doctor can examine the colon.
The front tip also has a light, a channel for water irrigation, a channel for air and water, as well as an instrument channel.
A colonoscopy usually takes 30 to 60 minutes and is performed in a hospital or clinic by a trained doctor, known as a gastroenterologist.
You will be offered a sedative to help you relax during your colonoscopy and you will be placed on your side for the procedure.
The colonoscope bends so your doctor can move it around the curves of your colon.
Your doctor might gently press on your abdomen during the procedure, or ask you to change positions occasionally to help move the scope through the colon.
If your doctor finds polyps or suspicious areas during the colonoscopy, the polyps will be removed and small tissue samples will be taken to be checked for signs of cancer.
Polyps are usually not cancerous, but they can change into cancer, and that is why they need to be removed.
The polyp is then pulled through the instrument channel and collected for biopsy. Other methods are available depending on the size and shape of the polyp.
Polyps contain no nerves, so you won’t feel pain during their removal.
Other methods are available depending on the size and shape of the polyp.
Polyps contain no nerves, so you won’t feel pain during their removal.
After your colonoscopy, you will be taken to rest in a recovery room until the effects of your sedation wear off. You may feel some gas or cramping, but this will quickly pass.
Because of the sedation used during the procedure, you will need a family member or a close friend to drive you home. You should take the rest of the day off and not make any major plans for 24 hours.
Before you go home, your doctor will share the results of the colonoscopy with you. If a biopsy was sent to the lab it may take a few days or longer to receive the results.
Depending on the number and size of polyps found, as well as how clean your colon looks (based on the quality of your bowel prep cleanout), your doctor will recommend when your next colonoscopy should be done.
Colonoscopy is generally a safe procedure and complications are rare.
If a polyp was removed or a biopsy was performed during your colonoscopy, there is a very small risk that you may have small amounts of blood in your stool for a few days afterwards.
However, if you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, dizziness, or continued heavy bleeding from your anus call your doctor right away.
You should always discuss any questions or concerns you have about your colonoscopy procedure, results, and post-procedure with your doctor.
Your doctor is there to help you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
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