Colonoscopy

The digestive system

Colonoscopy (koh-luh-NAH-skuh-pee) lets the physician look inside your entire large intestine, from the lowest part, the rectum, all the way up through the colon to the lower end of the small intestine. The procedure is used to look for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum. It is also used to diagnose the causes of unexplained changes in bowel habits. Colonoscopy enables the physician to see inflamed tissue, abnormal growths, ulcers, and bleeding.

For the procedure, you will lie on your left side on the examining table. You will probably be given pain medication and a mild sedative to keep you comfortable and to help you relax during the exam. The physician will insert a long, flexible, lighted tube into your rectum and slowly guide it into your colon. The tube is called a colonoscope (koh-LON-oh-skope). The scope transmits an image of the inside of the colon, so the physician can carefully examine the lining of the colon. The scope bends, so the physician can move it around the curves of your colon. You may be asked to change position occasionally to help the physician move the scope. The scope also blows air into your colon, which inflates the colon and helps the physician see better.

If anything abnormal is seen in your colon, like a polyp or inflamed tissue, the physician can remove all or part of it using tiny instruments passed through the scope. That tissue (biopsy) is then sent to a lab for testing. If there is bleeding in the colon, the physician can pass a laser, heater probe, or electrical probe, or can inject special medicines through the scope and use it to stop the bleeding.

Bleeding and puncture of the colon are possible complications of colonoscopy. However, such complications are uncommon.

Colonoscopy takes 30 to 60 minutes. The sedative and pain medicine should keep you from feeling much discomfort during the exam. You will need to remain at the colonoscopy facility for 1 to 2 hours until the sedative wears off.

Preparation

Your colon must be completely empty for the colonoscopy to be thorough and safe. To prepare for the procedure you may have to follow a liquid diet for 1 to 3 days beforehand. A liquid diet means fat-free bouillon or broth, strained fruit juice, water, plain coffee, plain tea, or diet soda. Gelatin or popsicles in any color but red may also be eaten. You will also take one of several types of laxatives the night before the procedure. Also, you must arrange for someone to take you home afterward—you will not be allowed to drive because of the sedatives. Your physician may give you other special instructions. Inform your physician of any medical conditions or medications that you take before the colonscopy

You are going to have a COLONOSCOPY

DO NOT EAT ANY SOLID FOODS the full day prior to your scheduled COLONOSCOPY.

You may eat clear soup, broth and jell-o (do not eat red or purple jell-o).

Nothing to eat or drink after midnight on the day of your scheduled colonoscopy.

Important medications that you normally take in the morning can be taken with a tiny sip of water only the morning prior to the procedure.

The bowel preparation:

MEDICATIONS

Purchase one 3 ounce bottle of Fleet Phospho Soda or two 1 5ounce bottles of Fleet Phospho Soda. Any pharmacy can direct you to this over the counter prescription.

Take the medication at 5:00p.m. as a single rapid dose - a large gulp. Have something ready to drink immediately after taking medication. Gingerale is a good choice for washing the salty taste down.

If you have any problems please call the office 602-253-42471 or nurse Kim 480-814-1761or Dr. McConnell 602-743-3546.

OTHER ARRANGEMENTS

You must arrange for someone to drive you home after your colonoscopy. This necessary because of the anesthetics you will be given.

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