A colonoscopy is an imaging test that detects abnormalities or changes in the rectum or the colon (large intestine). The procedure is considered to be minimally invasive. The colonoscope is a flexible, long tube used during a colonoscopy. At the end of the colonoscope is a small video camera used to capture images during the procedure. After inserting the colonoscope into the patient’s rectum with a catheter, the physician can have a clear view of the patient’s colon and rectum.

The colonoscope has a highly flexible design, which enables it to move across the entirety of the colon without difficulty. It is a risk-free process that can assist in the early diagnosis of several different illnesses. If necessary, the colonoscope makes it possible to quickly and easily remove any polyps or other abnormal tissues during the treatment. Colonoscopy is frequently performed with biopsies, allowing the attending physician to get a tissue sample from the rectum or colon to conduct an additional in-depth investigation.

Why Colonoscopy is Done

Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy to:

1. Investigate Intestinal Symptoms

Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy in order to investigate the potential causes of your abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhea, and other digestive disorders.

2. Colon Cancer Screening

If you are above the age of 45 and have an average risk of colon cancer, which means that other than your age, you don’t have any other risk factors for colon cancer, your doctor may prescribe that you get a colonoscopy every 10 years. Your physician may advise you to get screened earlier if you have additional risk factors. In the screening for colon cancer, colonoscopy is one of the few options available. Discuss the various treatment choices with your primary care physician.

3. Look For More Polyps

If you have a history of polyps, your physician may advise you to undergo a subsequent colonoscopy to detect and remove any further polyps that may have formed. This is done to lower the likelihood of you developing colon cancer.

4. Treat An Issue

It is possible that a colonoscopy will be performed in order to treat you in some way, such as by inserting a stent or removing anything from your colon.

How You Prepare For Colonoscopy

Your colon will need to be cleaned out (emptied) before it can be examined using a colonoscopy. During the examination, if you have any residue in your colon, it may be challenging to gain a clear image of both your colon and rectum.

1. Empty Your Colon

A particular diet should be followed on the day before the test. In most cases, you won’t be allowed to consume anything that requires chewing the day before the test. Clear liquids, such as water, tea, and coffee without milk or cream, broth, and fizzy beverages, may be all that is allowed to be consumed as beverages. Avoid drinking red liquids since they can be misinterpreted as blood during the colonoscopy. After the stroke of midnight, the night before the test, you might not be able to consume anything by food or drink.

2. Take a Laxative

Your physician will likely suggest you take a laxative that requires a prescription. These medications typically come in big doses and either pill or liquid form. In the majority of cases, you will be instructed to take the laxative the night before your colonoscopy. Alternatively, you may be instructed to take the laxative the night before and the morning of the procedure.

3. Adjust Your Medications

In particular, if you have any chronic health condition (such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease), or if you take any kind of medication or supplement containing iron, you should wait at least a week before taking the test. Heart drugs that influence platelets, like clopidogrel, should also be disclosed if they are used to prevent blood clots or strokes (Plavix).