What is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows for your physician to examine the entire length of your large intestine. The colonoscopy can assist in identifying problems with the colon, such as early signs of cancer, inflamed tissue, ulcers, and bleeding. An endoscope, a long, flexible, lighted tube (also called a colonoscope), is inserted through the rectum into the colon. In addition to allowing visualization of the internal colon, the colonoscope enables your physician to irrigate/suction, and access the bowel with surgical instruments. During a colonoscopy, the gastroenterologist may remove tissue for further examination and possibly treat any problems that may be discovered.

Reasons for the Procedure

A colonoscopy may be used to examine colon polyps, tumors, ulceration, inflammation, diverticula (pouches), strictures (narrowing), and foreign objects within the colon. It may also be used to determine the cause of unexplained chronic diarrhea or gastrointestinal bleeding or to evaluate the colon after cancer treatment. In addition, there may be other reasons for your physician to recommend a colonoscopy.

Risks of the Procedure

As with any invasive procedure, complications may occur. Complications related to colonoscopy include, but are not limited to, the following: persistent bleeding after biopsy, peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity), and/or perforation of the intestinal wall (which is very rare). If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, you should notify your physician.

There may be other risks depending upon your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your physician prior to the procedure. Certain factors or conditions may interfere with a colonoscopy. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following: use of soap suds enemas prior to the procedure, which irritate the lining of the mucosa; presence of barium from previous tests used to examine the colon (such as a barium enema); inadequate preparation of the bowel before the procedure; and/or problems which may interfere with the passage of the colonoscope, such as narrowing of the colon, surgical adhesions, or disease such as chronic inflammatory disease.

Preparing for your Colonoscopy..............................................Preparar para Su Colonoscopia