1) What is COLONOSCOPY?

Colonoscopy is a safe, effective method of examining the full lining of the colon and rectum, using a long, flexible, tubular instrument. The term colonoscopy means looking inside the colon. It is a procedure performed by a Endoscopist and surgeon. The colon is the last portion of your digestive tract. Its starts at the ceacum which is attached to the end of small intestine and ends an anus. Colon is a hollow tube which is 5 feet long and main function is to store unabsorbed food.

2) What is colonoscope?

Colonoscope is a long thin, flexible tube with a tiny video camera and light on the end. By adjusting various controls of the colonoscope the Endoscopist can guide in any direction to look inside the colon. The high quality picture from colonoscope is shown on TV monitor and gives detailed clear view.

3)Who should undergo colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is a safe an effective way to evaluate problems such as blood loss in stools, changes in bowel habits., constipation It is a important way to check for colon cancer,take biopsy and to treat colon polyps. Colonoscopy is often used to remove polyps, a technique called polypectomy.

4)What is the preparation for the Colonoscopy?

How well the bowel is emptied will determine the success of the procedure. Various methods have been used to clean the bowel. What we used is colopeg of which once sachet taken in one liter of water from morning 5.30 to 8.00 am on the day of procedure. Patient should not consume any thing after 8.00 am till colonoscopy. It can be done on outpatient basis depending upon the indication and procedure.

5)What can you expect during the colonoscopy?

During the procedure, everything will be done to ensure your comfort. The procedure can performed either under local anesthesia or sedative which will make you relax and drowsy, thus preventing you from remembering much of experience. Once you are fully relaxed, your doctor will do a rectal examination with a gloved, lubricated finger and then the lubricated colonoscope will be inserted. As the scope is advanced into the colon you may feel the need to move your bowel. You may feel some cramping or fullness. Generally however, there is little or no discomfort

6)What are post colonoscopy orders to be followed?

you are usually discharged on the same day or after 2to 3 hr of procedure You have to remain fasting for 4 hours..