A colonoscopy lets your doctor clearly see the inside of your colon and rectum to check for medical conditions and abnormalities. Colonoscopies are recommended in some cases when blood is found in the stool, for people with a family history of colorectal cancers and for older people.
Types
There are two major types of colonoscopies. During a traditional colonoscopy, a tube is inserted into the rectum for the doctor to view and examine the inside. During a virtual colonoscopy, a CAT or CT scanner is used to view the colon from the outside, while a smaller tube is inserted to pump in gas.
Time Frame
Patients begin preparing for their colonoscopy 24 hours before the exam. Your doctor will likely provide a powerful prescription laxative to empty your bowels, colon and rectum of all stool. You will need to stay close to a bathroom. The exam itself takes 20 minutes to an hour.
Features
In a traditional colonoscopy, the patient will be given a sedative, and the doctor will insert a tube into the rectum. The tube contains a light, a camera and a space for tools, in case the doctor needs to remove a polyp. Air is pumped in through the tube.
In a virtual colonoscopy, the patient will not be sedated unless polyps are detected. A small tube is placed into the rectum for the doctor to pump gas in, while the CT scanner creates an image of the colon from the outside. If polyps are detected, the patient may be given a standard colonoscopy to remove them.
Considerations
Because of the sedatives, you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure.
Misconceptions
Colonoscopies are generally not painful, but can be uncomfortable. Many patients find the anticipation is far worse than the exam.
Warning
If stool remains in the colon, the doctor may not get a complete look at the inside, and the results may not be conclusive. Virtual colonoscopies may not be as thorough as traditional colonoscopies, and smaller polyps may escape detection.
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