Are you afraid of a colonoscopy? Let's learn about it simply! (Colonoscopy)

Have you been having stomach pain or blood in your stool for a long time? Perhaps your doctor has told you that you need to have a colonoscopy for this reason. Some people feel a little scared when they hear this name. But it is actually not something to be afraid of. Today, let's talk about this test very simply.

What is a Colonoscopy? Why is it done?

Simply put, a colonoscopy is a test that looks inside your large intestine (colon and rectum). It's usually done as an outpatient procedure at a hospital, meaning you don't have to stay in the hospital.

In this, the doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube-like instrument (called a colonoscope) through your rectum and looks at a screen to see if there are any abnormalities inside your colon.

Now let's see in what situations a doctor might suggest doing this test. There can be two main reasons for this. One is to find the cause of symptoms. The other is to treat some medical conditions on the spot.

How to prepare for a colonoscopy?

Your preparation is very important for the success of this test. Your colon must be completely clean. Otherwise, the doctor will not be able to see the inside of your colon clearly.

Be sure to tell your doctor these things before the test

Before you schedule your test, talk openly with your doctor about your health. Be sure to mention the following in particular:

• If you are pregnant.
• If you have any lung, heart, or kidney disease.
• If you have diabetes.
• If you are allergic to any medicine.
• If you are taking blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin), these medications may need to be stopped or changed a few days before the test.

Diet and stomach cleansing

The doctor will advise you to restrict your diet for a few days before the test.

• Usually, high-fiber foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, and red rice are advised to be avoided for a few days.
• The day before the test, you will be asked to eat only liquids (a clear-liquid diet). This means things like water, tea, clear soup, and Jeevani.
• In addition, you will have to drink a special laxative drink that the doctor will prescribe to completely cleanse and cleanse your intestines. This is the most difficult, but most important part of this preparation. It is essential to drink this medicine at the right time, in the right amount, as the doctor says.

Another important thing!

You will not be able to drive after the test. Because of the medication you will be given to relax you during the test, you may feel slightly intoxicated for about 8 hours. Therefore, it is essential to have someone drive you home. Make arrangements in advance for this.

What happens during the test?

This test usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes.

1. Sedation: First, you will be given a sedative that will make you feel sleepy and relaxed. This will make you less aware of the test.

2. Position: You will be turned and made to lie on the left side of the bed.

3. Inserting the instrument: The doctor then very carefully inserts the colonoscope instrument I mentioned earlier through the anus and slowly moves it up the colon.

4. Bowel examination: This device is flexible, so it can be easily moved along the curves of the intestine. To see the inside of the intestine better, a small amount of air is sent through the device. This causes the intestine to swell a little and allows for a better examination. At this time, you may feel a slight pain, as if your stomach is full. However, this feeling will decrease as you take slow, deep breaths.

5. Biopsy or Polyp Removal: During the examination, if the doctor sees something unusual, such as a polyp, he can pass a small instrument through the instrument and take a small piece of tissue (biopsy) for examination. Or he can remove the entire polyp. You will not feel any pain during this procedure.

After the examination is complete, the instrument is slowly removed, carefully examining the intestinal walls.

What happens after the test?

After the test is over, you will be kept in a recovery room for about 30 minutes.

• You may feel a slight stomach ache or a feeling of fullness, but this will go away quickly.
• As I said before, you need someone to take you home. Driving and operating machinery for 8 hours is completely prohibited.
• After you go home, you can eat normally.
• Read the hospital's instructions carefully. Especially if a piece of tissue was taken from your colon or a tumor was removed, you may be advised to stop taking things like blood thinners for a few days.

What symptoms should you watch out for?

Colonoscopy is a very safe procedure, but complications can occur very rarely, such as bleeding or perforation of the colon. So, if you experience any of these symptoms after the procedure, call your doctor or go to the hospital right away.

• If there is excessive or persistent bleeding from the rectum.
• If you have severe stomach pain.
• If you feel like you have a fever or are shivering with chills.

Don't ignore these symptoms.

Colonoscopy, Colon Cancer Screening, Stomach ache, Polyps, Cancer screening, Medical tests, Gastroenterology, Colon Cancer Screening