Colonoscopy Overview
The general surgery procedure known as a colonoscopy is a diagnostic tool used to determine abnormalities in the rectum or large intestine. The procedure is considered standard to screen for colon cancer. Individuals aged 50 or older are advised to be screened for colon cancer. Depending on your risk factors, your Hollywood Surgical Consultants’ physician may recommend that you receive a colonoscopy sooner.
Prior to receiving your colonoscopy, you’ll need to empty out your colon. Your doctor will prescribe a pill-based or liquid laxative to assist in cleaning your colon. You’ll be instructed to only consume clear liquids the day before the exam. In certain cases, your doctor will tell you to use an enema, either the night or morning before your colonoscopy.
During your exam, you can expect to receive mild sedation. However, you should arrange for transportation home as you should not drive after general surgery procedures such as this. You will lie on your side, while your doctor inserts a scope equipped with a fiber-optic light into your colon. Your colon will be inflated with air, to help to better view your colon. You may feel some mild abdominal cramping or bloating when the air is introduced in your colon. A colonoscopy typically takes anywhere from 20 minutes to as long as an hour.
It will take about one hour to recover from the mild sedative and a full day for the complete effects for the sedative to wear off. You may feel some abdominal cramping, bloating and passing of gas for a few hours after your colonoscopy.
If your doctor doesn’t discover any abnormalities and you have a low risk for colon cancer, he may suggest up to 10 years before repeating another colonoscopy. On the other hand, if abnormal polyps or tissues are discovered, you may be advised to have more frequent and rigorous colonoscopy screenings.