Preparation for Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure aimed to examine the rectum and distal lumen of the colon. The procedure uses a flexible tube with a camera fitted to the end that sends images to a screen. The procedure is both for diagnostic, being able to visualize tumors, polyps or other replacement processes of space, and therapeutic.

In general, detailed investigation are performed following certain symptoms, constipation, abdominal pain. Colonoscopy is similar to rectosigmoidoscopy, but differing in terms of anatomical region examined and colonoscopy penetrates deeper into the gut.

Now there is the possibility of reconstructing three-dimensional lumen of the colon, based on information provided by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. This method is more comfortable for the patient, but is more expensive and the results are not available very soon, as with colonoscopy results are ready in real time.

In addition, such an approach does not allow for therapeutic procedures such as removal of polyps or tumors, and no harvesting of tissue for biopsy. Neither CT nor MRI can detect lesions smaller than 5 mm, while colonoscopy can identify and remove tumors even a millimeter big.

When preparing for colonoscopy, you should take into account the following:

-a possible ongoing treatment such as treatment with insulin or other medications used to treat arthritis.

- history of heart disease or other problems alike.

-possibility that the patient is pregnant

Before the examination, a special preparation for colonoscopy must be performed. The ability to see well inside the colon depends largely on how it is cleaned.

Preparation for colonoscopy:

A day or two before colonoscopy the patient should not eat solid foods and drink only clear liquids such as water, tea, coffee, fruit juices. Patients shouldn't eat or drink tomato juice or red aliments.

Patients have to take a laxative a day before the investigation.

Patients who are to undergo a colonoscopy should be well hydrated.

This examination can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Drugs used in cleaning the digestive tract, especially strong laxatives can cause diarrhea and abdominal cramps that can keep the patient quite long in the bathroom.

During the test the patient can be very dizzy and also relaxed due to the sedatives and anesthetics.

Proper preparation for colonoscopy helps avoiding complications during the procedure. This is why preparation for colonoscopy should be done thoroughly, keeping in mine all doctor's advice.

Complications are rare if the patient follows doctor's recommendations. There is a small risk of puncturing the colon and causing severe bleeding on the colon wall. A rhythm disorder (arrhythmia) may occur during the procedure but always resolves without treatment.

After the examination patients immediately call the doctor if:

there is severe abdominal pain

fever occurs

dizziness occurs

In general, pregnant women or people with heart disease, abdominal infections, are not advised to undergo colonoscopy unless it is highly necessary.

Colonoscopy is a procedure less expensive than barium examination of the passage or colon.