Lower gastrointestinal endoscopy (Colonoscopy)

Lower gastrointestinal endoscopy (Colonoscopy)

 

The lower digestive endoscopy or colonoscopy is the imaging method for exploring and treatment of the lower gastrointestinal tract.

The colonoscopy is performed with an endoscope made up of a thin, flexible tube, endowed with a video camera and a light source on one end. The video camera captures images from the gastrointestinal tract and it sends them to a monitor.

 

The patient lays down on the examining table, on their left side. In case the patient chooses to be sedated, the anesthesia and intensive care specialist sets an IV cannula through which the sedative is administered. Afterwards, the gastroenterologist introduces the colonoscope into the rectum in order to examine the gastrointestinal tract. The images are sent to the monitor in real-time mode.

 

Indications

 

•screening for any person over the age of 50, in order to diagnose the colorectal cancer;

•in case the patient had blood in their stool;

•constant intestinal transit afflictions (constipation, diarrhea and mostly the alternation of constipation and diarrhea);

•unidentified abdominal pain, especially for patients over the age of 45;

•family history of colon or digestive tube cancers;

•family history of colon polyps.

 

How to prepare for colonoscopy?

 

•depending on the product used for cleansing the colon, the patient is not allowed to eat anything for 8-10 hours before the examination;

•the appointment is made at least 24 hours before the investigation;

•if your doctor prescribes you this imaging method, he will also explain the procedure, the technique and the possible adverse reactions to the investigation;

•the procedure lasts a medium of 15-30 minutes (sometimes the patient may receive sedative and/or pain relief medication to increase the comfort during the procedure; in this case the patient cannot drive a vehicle for 6 hours after the investigation);

•in case the patient chooses to be deeply sedated, they should come accompanied.

 

Absolute contraindications

 

•digestive perforation;

•inflammatory bowel disease;

•visible acute diverticulitis;

•acute myocardial infarction;

•severe cardiorespiratory insufficiency;

•uncooperative patient.