Colonoscopy is a procedure performed with a colonoscope device to examine complaints or findings related to the intestine and rectum. If necessary, polyps in the large intestine can be removed or tissue samples can be taken for examination. This procedure, which is performed by entering through the anus, is frequently used in the diagnosis and treatment of large intestine problems. It also has an important role in the early diagnosis of serious problems such as cancer and intestinal polyps.
In terms of examining the large intestine, it is an imaging procedure performed from the anus area to the end of the large intestine with a medical device with a camera and light at the end. Before applying this method, which can also be used as a treatment, the person is asked to be hungry, and if there are some blood thinners used, it is requested to stop about 1 week in advance.
In Which Diseases Is Colonoscopy Performed?
This procedure, which is also used for imaging, examination and treatment, can also be used for the diagnosis and screening of certain diseases. It is applied to examine intestinal diseases, to determine complaints and findings and to perform controls.
For diagnostic purposes: It can be performed to diagnose diseases, some problems and problems that may occur in the large intestine.
Bowel Cancer Examination: It can be performed to detect rectal and colon cancer even in the absence of any complaints or symptoms. It is generally recommended every 5 years for people aged 50 and over. For people with a family history of colon or rectal cancer, this may change and more frequent checks may be required.
Polyp Checks: Polyp problems that the person has previously experienced may need to be checked periodically and this procedure may need to be performed. It is also ensured that this condition is detected early and bowel cancer is prevented.
How is Colonoscopy Performed?
There are some preparations to be made before the procedure to be applied. Before this procedure, there is some information that the person should convey to the specialist physician. These are; pregnancy process, lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, and if there are medications or allergies to medications that he/she is already using, he/she should explain them in detail.
In order for the procedure to be successful and trouble-free, the intestines must be clean before the procedure. Various methods can be applied for this situation. If the intestines are not cleaned as they should be, the findings called lesions or polyps may not be seen during the procedure, the procedure may be prolonged (some risks may occur in prolonged procedures), and the application may be performed again.
It may be recommended to bring comfortable and loose clothes that the patient can wear after the procedure. Patients are administered some sedative medications and painkillers before the procedure. During the procedure, the patient is dressed in an outfit prepared for these procedures so that the back of the patient remains open.
During these procedures performed by specialist doctors and physicians, if the doctor deems it appropriate and necessary, some devices may be connected to control the patient's breathing, blood pressure and heart rhythm.
Both legs of the person are pulled to the chest and the examination begins in the position lying on the left side. In the presence of an anesthesiologist, the patient is given topical anesthesia (superficial anesthesia), which allows the patient to fall into a deep sleep.
After making sure that the patient is fully asleep, the specialist first makes progress towards the end of the large intestine, i.e. the rectum, with the colonoscope device. The intestine is then inflated with air and the inner surface of the intestine is visualized.
The medical device used in the application advances to the connection point of the small intestine and large intestine and examines all parts of the large intestine. This procedure takes about half an hour.
With the help of this device, the physician can identify any abnormalities encountered during the procedure. In addition, depending on the patient's complaints, samples can be taken from different parts of the intestine if the specialist deems it necessary.
After this procedure, the patient is kept in the recovery room so that the drugs given to the person lose their effect and the consciousness returns to normal.
What should be considered before colonoscopy?
In the method recommended and applied by the doctor, it is very important to give the necessary and detailed information to the specialist about the medications and diseases that the person is constantly using. After determining the date of the procedure, the person may be prohibited from consuming certain foods.
It is not recommended to consume solid foods before the procedure and nothing should be eaten or consumed on the last night before the procedure. Some people may be given certain medications or enemas to cleanse the bowel.
What should be considered after colonoscopy?
After the procedure, the patient is kept under observation and in the recovery room. After regaining consciousness and after the effect of the medications given during the procedure wears off, the patient is discharged and recommended to rest for 1 day. Depending on the methods applied during the procedure, the patient may feel bloated during this process and may also experience some gas pains.
It is also reported as normal to see blood during defecation. However, in case of continuous and active bleeding, a doctor should be consulted immediately. The patient can continue his/her normal diet and fluid consumption. However, if some samples are to be taken in the imaging procedure, nutrition should be provided according to the diet program recommended and given by the physician.
While the doctor may impose some restrictions on the use of certain medications, it is important that the person complies and fulfills them. In addition, while some serious problems and symptoms may occur after the procedure, the person should go to the doctor and be examined immediately in such cases. Serious problems that may occur after the colonoscopy procedure are as follows:
- Active blood during defecation (rectal bleeding)
- High fever and chills
- Persistent stomach aches and bloating
- Dizziness and loss of consciousness
- Stomach problems (vomiting, nausea)
- Heart rhythm disturbance and palpitations
- Chest pains
In case of such situations, the person should definitely see a doctor and report the complaints.
What is the Difference Between Colonoscopy and Virtual Colonoscopy?
This region, which is visualized by entering the large intestine in the last part of the digestive system, can be examined if deemed necessary. Virtual colonoscopy is a type of imaging performed with computed tomography without the use of a colonoscope device.
In a virtual colonoscopy, a contrast medium is administered through the mouth after the bowel has been cleaned. A detailed examination and imaging of the large intestine is then performed using computed tomography. This procedure, which is usually performed on elderly people and patients on long-term blood thinners, gives them the advantage of returning to their daily life more quickly.
The disadvantages include the inability to identify small details, the low probability of exposure to radiation, and the inability to treat polyps and harmful tissues.
Is Colonoscopy Harmful?
The most serious complication that may occur in the imaging process is perforation of the large intestine. The intervention that should be performed in these cases is surgery. Colonoscopy is not applied to some individuals in terms of damages and risks that may occur. For this reason, this procedure should be performed after an examination by a specialist doctor and upon his/her recommendation.
This procedure is not recommended in the presence of some serious diseases (heart, stomach and kidney diseases), pregnancy and aortic swelling after the examination and the questions the doctor asks about the condition to determine the condition and facilitate the diagnosis.
What is a Colonoscopy Device? What are the Measurements?
It is an imaging method that can also be applied as a treatment method in terms of visualizing the intestine and revealing the problems that may occur in the large intestine. There is a small camera and light at the end of the medical device in the form of a flexible tube. There is another apparatus on the device, which provides convenience in terms of visualization of the large intestine, to provide air and to take samples when necessary. It measures approximately 60 cm in length and 1 cm in diameter.