Colonoscopy

When preparing for a colonoscopy, the first step is to obtain a referral from your local GP. Once you have this, you can schedule an appointment with one of our gastroenterology experts. During this consultation, you’ll discuss your symptoms in detail. If the doctor determines that a colonoscopy is appropriate for you, they will proceed to refer you for the procedure. If polyps or abnormal tissue are found during the procedure, or if there are certain risk factors present, your doctor may recommend having a colonoscopy sooner than the typical screening interval.

Preparing for the procedure

To ensure the colonoscopy is successful, you’ll receive specific instructions to follow beforehand. Seven days prior to the procedure, you’ll be advised to discontinue certain supplements, such as iron or charcoal tablets. Then, two days before the colonoscopy, it’s important to start a low-fibre diet. This dietary change helps prepare your system for the procedure.

The day before your colonoscopy, your doctor will prescribe a laxative to clear your system, allowing for a clear view inside the colon and rectum. Once the laxative begins to work, you’ll need to use the toilet frequently. To alleviate any discomfort, consider using wet wipes and a barrier cream. It’s a good idea to have a phone or book handy to pass the time. Frequent bathroom visits can lead to dehydration, which can make you feel cold, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids and keep warm.

Twelve hours before your appointment, you’ll need to stop eating or drinking, even if you typically follow a ‘normal diet.’ Then, two hours before the procedure, you should cease drinking altogether. Upon arriving at the hospital, you’ll be shown to your room, where you can change into appropriate attire. Don’t forget to bring any prescription medications with you. Your doctor will also confirm that you’re still comfortable proceeding with the colonoscopy.

A colonoscopy is a brief procedure, typically lasting 20 to 30 minutes, and is often classified as an outpatient or day case, meaning patients don’t stay at the hospital overnight. Sedation is an option to help you relax during the procedure. The doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube with a camera through your anus into the colon. This allows the doctor to examine the whole colon and a part of the small intestine on a screen. If polyps are present, they can be removed during the procedure. Patients generally lie on their left side in a hospital gown for comfort.

To enhance visibility, air may be gently introduced into the colon, which might cause a sensation of fullness or gas. During the procedure, tissue samples or polyps can be removed for laboratory testing, which involves taking a tissue sample for analysis to determine if the tissues are abnormal or cancerous. This is painless, though some mild discomfort or bleeding may occur afterward, typically subsiding within a day. The entire colonoscopy procedure takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

After the colonoscopy, our attentive nursing staff will ensure you are comfortable in your room. Our catering team will bring you a meal to satisfy your hunger, and once you’re settled, you’ll receive a detailed procedure report. Your doctor will discuss the next steps with you, ensuring you are fully informed.

When you’re ready to leave, if you have had sedation, it’s important to have someone pick you up as the sedation wears off. If you have had sedation you might feel slightly groggy and sleepy for the rest of the day.

During your recovery, it’s crucial to take care of yourself. If you experience severe abdominal pain, a high fever, vomiting, bleeding from the rectum, or difficulty eating solid foods, it’s important to contact the hospital or visit the emergency department. Your health and well-being are our top priorities, and we’re here to assist you if any concerning symptoms arise.

Risks and complications

While a colonoscopy is generally a safe procedure, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and complications. One such risk is significant bleeding, which occurs in about 1 in 1,000 procedures. This can happen more frequently if a polyp is removed. Another risk is perforation, a hole in the wall of the colon, which happening in about 1 in 2,000 procedures, with a higher risk with polyp removal. Infection is another rare possibility, as with any invasive medical procedure. Additionally, there is a risk of an adverse reaction to sedation, which might include difficulty breathing or an allergic reaction. Lastly, there is a small risk that some lesions or polyps might be missed, especially if the colon is not properly cleaned.

Understanding these risks can help you make an informed decision about undergoing a colonoscopy procedure.

Interpreting results

After your colonoscopy, your doctor will review the results with you, helping you understand what the findings indicate.

In cases where polyps are detected, these will be removed during the procedure and sent to a laboratory for analysis. If the polyps turn out to be cancerous, further treatment may be required to address the condition. Additionally, if any abnormal tissue is discovered, a biopsy may be conducted to determine its cause, ensuring appropriate follow-up care is provided.

For individuals showing signs of inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, additional testing and treatment may be necessary to manage the condition effectively. Discussing these results with your doctor is crucial, as it will guide you in understanding your health status and the next steps in your care plan.