What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a common procedure to look for abnormalities in the colon, especially small precancerous growths called polyps.
During a colonoscopy, Dr. Singh inserts a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope into the colon through your rectum. A tiny camera on the end of the colonoscope allows him to visually examine the inside of the colon for any abnormalities, providing a far better picture of the health of your colon than almost any other available procedure.
Why would I need a colonoscopy?
Your doctor will recommend a colonoscopy or refer you directly to Dr. Singh if you are presenting symptoms like abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or serious and long-lasting constipation or diarrhea. These symptoms can all indicate disorders that can be diagnosed effectively with a colonoscopy.
Most people get a colonoscopy as part of an annual colon cancer screening. Colon cancer can become quite advanced before you ever experience symptoms, so it’s recommended that you’re screened for it regularly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that you get an annual screening once you reach the age of 50, though people with certain risk factors will need them more often. In addition to age, risk factors include:
- A family history of colon cancer or colon polyps
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Crohn's disease
- Ulcerative colitis
These screenings might not always involve a colonoscopy, but will include a number of other tests, including stool tests, to check for the presence of colon cancer and other diseases.
What happens during a colonoscopy?
On the day before your procedure, you’ll refrain from eating and drinking anything but clear liquids before you come in for your appointment in order to ensure the colon is as clear as possible. Especially avoid any red liquids, as these could be mistaken for blood in the colon. You could also be asked to take a laxative in the day leading up to your appointment.
During your colonoscopy, you’ll wear a surgical gown and lay on your side on an examination table. To minimize discomfort, you’ll be given a mild oral sedative, but if there’s reason to believe you’ll be especially uncomfortable, it’s possible to get further intravenous pain medication.
Dr. Singh will insert the colonoscope into your rectum and use a visual monitor to guide it as he looks for polyps. Sometimes, to make the probe move effectively, the colonoscope may release a small amount of air to create space. When this happens, or when the probe moves, it can cause slight cramping or the sensation that you need to pass gas or move your bowels. This is normal and not cause for concern. Typically, a colonoscopy takes anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour.
If you need to diagnose a gastrointestinal disorder or if it’s time for your annual colon cancer screening, call the office of Dr. Singh today or make an appointment online.
Preparation for Colonoscopy- If you take iron pills or multivitamins, please hold them 3 days prior to the procedure.
- Continue all medications prior to the exam unless otherwise directed by Dr.Singh
- If you take any blood-thinners such as Aspirin, Plavix, Coumadin or others, please discuss this with Dr.Singh as he may need to stop these prior to your procedure
- 2 days prior to the procedure decrease the amount of fiber in your diet- avoid nuts, popcorn, raw fruits, raw vegetables, and salad
- The morning prior to your colonoscopy you must start a Clear Liquid Diet
- In order to do a thorough exam, it is important that the colon is completely clean at the time of the colonoscopy. You will need to take a laxative preparation the day prior to the exam. Dr.Singh will determine which laxative preparation is best for you.
- On the day prior to the procedure, please drink plenty of fluids so you do not become dehydrated and in order to achieve the best prep results.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight
- The morning of your procedure, you may take all of your usual medications unless otherwise directed by Dr.Singh.
- You will be sedated during your colonoscopy. Because of this you will not be able to drive after the procedure and will need to arrange for someone to drive you home.
During ColonoscopyEven though a colonoscopy is relatively painless, you’ll receive an intravenous sedative prior to the exam that will make you feel drowsy and help you relax. Throughout the exam, your heart rate and blood pressure will be carefully monitored. You’ll be asked to lie on your left side when the colonoscope (a flexible camera) is inserted into your rectum and advanced through your entire colon. At this point, the colonoscope is gently withdrawn and a detailed examination begins. If Dr. Singh has difficulty seeing some parts of your colon, he may inflate your colon with air or wash the lining with water to improve the quality of images of your colon’s lining. Should Dr. Singh detect a polyp or abnormal growth during the examination, he may remove it or take a biopsy for laboratory testing. The usual duration of a colonoscopy is 15-30 minutes.
After ColonoscopyEven though the sedative will wear off quickly, you will need a ride home. You cannot drive after the colonoscopy. Due to the placement of the IV, the sedation, and the need to monitor you after the procedure, you will be at the surgery center for approximately 3 hours. A friend or relative can stay with you or come back to pick you up. You shouldn’t make any important decisions for the rest of the day either. It’s best to just go home and rest.
You may experience some temporary bloating, which can be relieved by walking and should resolve as you pass gas over several hours. This is normal and not a cause for alarm. You may also notice a small amount of blood in your stool following your colonoscopy. It is normal. Should you, however, continue to bleed or develop persistent pain or fever, contact Dr. Singh immediately.
