Colonoscopy

This is a procedure which allows the doctor to see inside your large bowel and examine the surfaces directly, and take biopsies (samples of tissue) if needed. Treatment of conditions can also be undertaken.

What to expect
The colonoscope is a flexible plastic-coated tube, a little thicker than a ballpoint pen which has a tiny camera attached that sends images to a viewing screen. You will be given a sedative (medicine that will make you sleepy but is not a general anaesthetic). The tube is passed into the rectum (bottom) and gently moved along the large bowel. The procedure takes from 10 minutes to one hour and your oxygen levels and pulse rate are monitored throughout.

The procedure is performed in a day-stay theatre.

Before the procedure
You will need to follow a special diet and take some laxatives (medicine to make you go to the toilet) over the days leading up to the test as the bowel needs to be completely clean for the procedure.

Please bring a list of all your current medications with you.

Risks of a colonoscopy are rare but include:

bleeding if a biopsy is performed
allergic reaction to the sedative
perforation (tearing) of the bowel wall.

The risk of a significant complication is about 1 in a 1000 procedures.

After the procedure
You might have some cramping or bloating because of the air entering the colon during the examination. This should go away quickly when you pass wind.

Occasionally, patients experience a small amount of bleeding from the back passage for a few days after the procedure. If it is ongoing, please contact your General Practitioner. Your doctor or nurse will tell you what was found during the examination, or you may need to come back for a follow-up appointment to discuss the results, and to find out the results of any biopsies.

Safety issues after the procedure
For your safety, you must:

be taken home by a responsible person
have a responsible adult to care for you that night / day
not drive a car, or motorcycle, or operate machinery until the following day, or longer as advised by the doctor
not make any important decisions, or sign any contracts within 24 hours of the procedure as the medication used can impair judgement
not drink any alcohol for 24 hours after the procedure.

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