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Colonoscopies are recommended to:
Those with a change in bowel habits or bleeding
Examine unexplained abdominal symptoms
Examine inflammatory bowel disease (colitis)
Confirm detection of polyps or tumors
Those who test positive for blood in the stool
Monitor patients with a past history of colon polyps or cancer
About the Procedure
When a colonoscopy is going to be performed, any residue must be emptied from the bowel. Typically, this is done one to two days prior to the procedure.The tubular instrument (colonoscope) is inserted and advanced to the portion of the colon where the small intestine enters. Your physician will remove polyps or take biopsies when and as necessary.Usually, there's little pain involved with a colonoscopy. A mild sedative is given to alleviate anxiety and discomfort. The procedure typically takes less than an hour and patients are back to a normal diet later that day.
