Colonoscopy
The Basics
A colonoscopy is a visual examination of the entire large intestine (colon). A flexible, lighted scope is used to look inside the colon which includes the rectum, sigmoid colon, descending colon, transverse colon, ascending colon and cecum. To be certain you are comfortable, you will receive IV sedation. Most patients sleep during the entire procedure and wake up feeling as though they have had a good night’s sleep!
How to Prepare
It is essential that you follow the instructions given to you by the doctor when taking your prep to ensure thorough cleansing of the entire colon and to avoid dehydration. Certain medications may need to be stopped prior to the procedure. Unless otherwise instructed, continue taking any regularly-prescribed medication. You must bring a responsible adult (18 years or older) with you that can stay throughout the procedure process and that can drive you home.
What to Expect During Your Procedure
You will need to remove all clothing, except socks. You will be given a patient gown to wear, the finest fashion statement for having a colonoscopy! The doctor will talk with you prior to the start of the procedure.
When it is time to start, you will be taken into the procedure room and asked to turn on to your left side. Sedation is given through the IV by a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Once the sedation takes effect, the colonoscope is introduced into the rectum and moved gently through the bends of your large intestine. The physician can visualize the lining of the intestine on a video monitor as the scope makes its way to the right side of the colon. If the doctor needs to take any biopsies a small instrument is placed down through the scope and tissue samples are taken to be sent to the laboratory for analysis. The entire procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. When the procedure is finished you will be transported to the recovery area.
After the Procedure
A nurse will monitor you for a minimum of 30 minutes as anesthesia wears off. You may have some cramping and bloating after the procedure because of the air introduced into the colon during the examination. This should dissipate quickly with the passage of gas. Your responsible adult will be at the bedside when the doctor speaks with you about the findings of the procedure. Discharge instructions will be reviewed and questions answered.
You may feel normal as you leave the office, but sedation has lingering and often subtle effects. Please do not drive or do any activity requiring alertness.