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Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is the visual examination of the large intestine {colon} using a lighted, flexible Fiber-optic or video endoscope. The colon begins in the right-lower abdomen and looks like a big question mark as it moves up and around the abdomen, ending in the rectum. It is 5 to 6 feet long. The colon has a number of functions including withdrawing water from the liquid stool that enters it so that a formed stool is produced.

 

Equipment

The flexible colonoscope is a remarkable piece of equipment that can be directed and moved around the many bends in the colon. These colonoscopes now come in two types. The original purely fiber-optic instrument has a flexible bundle of glass fibers that collects the lighted image at one end and transfers the image to the eye piece. The newer video endoscopes use a tiny, optically sensitive computer chip at the end. Electronic signals are then transmitted up the scope to a computer which displays the image on a large video screen. An open channel in these scopes allows other instruments to be passed through in order to perform biopsies, remove polyps or inject solutions.  

 

 

 

 

Reasons For The Exam

There are many types of problems that can occur in the colon. The medical history,  physical exam, laboratory tests and x-rays can provide information useful in making a diagnosis. Directly viewing the inside of the colon by colonoscopy is usually the best exam.

 

 

Colonoscopy is used for:

• Colon cancer-a serious but highly curable malignancy

• Polyps-fleshy tumors which usually are the forerunners of colon cancer

• Colitis (Ulcerative or Crohn's}-chronic, recurrent inflammation of the colon

• Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis-pockets along the intestinal wall that develop over time and can become infected

• Bleeding lesions-bleeding may occur from different points in the colon

• Abdominal symptoms, such as pain or discomfort, particularly if associated with weight loss or anemia

• Abnormal barium x-ray exam

• Chronic diarrhea, constipation, or a change in bowel habits .

• Anemia

Preparation

To obtain the full benefits of the exam, the colon must be clean and free of stool. The

patient receives instructions on how to do this. It involves drinking a solution which flushes the colon clean or taking laxatives and enemas. Usually the patient drinks only clear liquids and eats no food for the day before the exam. The physician advises the patient regarding the use of regular medications during that time.

 

Benefits

A colonoscopy is performed to identify

and/or correct a problem in the colon. The test enables a diagnosis to be made and specific

treatment can be given. If a polyp is found during the exam, it can be removed at that time,

eliminating the need for a major operation later.

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