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What is Colonoscopy?
- The doctor looks at the lining of your large bowel to see if there areany growths or disease.
- This is done by putting a flexible tube (colonoscope) with a camera attached at one end, into your anus. The tube is then slowly passed into the rectum and large bowel (colon). Pictures of the inside of your bowel are then seen on a video screen.
- You will lie on your side with your back to the doctor while the doctor slowly passes a colonoscope along your large Intestine to look at the lining.The doctor will examine the lining again as the colonoscope is taken out.
- You might feel some discomfort or cramps in your abdomen during the procedure. The procedure itself usually takes 15 to 60 minutes.
What are the Benefits of a Colonoscopy?
The benefits include the following:
- To assist the doctor in establishing a diagnosis.
- To remove a polyp.
What are the Risks of Having a Colonoscopy?
All procedures involve an element of risk but you should be aware of them. There are some risks, all of which are very rare. These include:
- Mild pain and discomfort in the abdomen for one or two days after the procedure.
- Difficulty in completing the procedure due to bowel disease or other problems. Polyps or cancer can be missed.
- Bleed ing from the bowel followingbiopsy and/or removal of polyp/polyps.
- Thebowel (rarely) may be punctured.
- Risk related to sedation or anaesthesia (if necessary).
- There is a remote risk of death or stroke that may not be related to the procedure.
The list is not exhaustive.
Bowel Preparation Guide
What are the Alternative Procedures to a Colonoscopy?
The alternative procedures are as follows:
- Contrast studies such as barium studies may be able to identify problems within the intestines.
- MRI or CT scan of the bowels may also identify these problems.
What is Procedural Sedation?
A sedative drug is injected into a vein to induce a "sleep like" state. It makes you feel relaxed during the procedure. You may remember some or little about what has happened during the procedure.
What are the Benefits of Procedural Sedation?
To reduce pain or discomfort experienced during a medical procedure or examination.
What are the Risks of Procedural Sedation?
Procedural sedation is generally very safe but sedation has a risk with side effects and complications. Whilst these are usually temporary, some of them may cause long-term problems.
The risk to you will depend on:
- Whether you haveany other illness
- Personal factors, such as whether you smoke or are overweight.
Common Risks for All Patients
- Headache
- Faintness or dizziness, especially when you start to move around
- Pain and/or bruising at injection site
- Fall In blood pressure
Less Common Risk for All Patients
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness
- Temporary nerve damage
- Muscle aches and pains
- Mild allergic reaction - itching or rash
Uncommon Risk for All Patients
- Allergic reactions and/ or asthma
- An existing medical condition getting worse
- Epileptic seizure
Rare Risks
- Severe allergy or shock
- Vomit in the lungs (Pneumonia)
- Blood clot in the lungs
- Stroke or heart attack
- Paralysis
- Brain damage
You may have Increased Risks:
1. If You Are:
Elderly
A Smoker
Overweight
2. If You Have The Following:
A bad cold or flu, asthma or other chest disease
Diabetes/ Heart disease/ Kidney disease
High blood pressure
Other serious medical conditions
Alternatives
- You may opt for no sedation if you wish to.
- Under certain circumstances, the doctor may decide that the procedure be performed under deep sedation which will be administered by the anaesthetist.
- Consequences of not receiving sedation; the pain and discomfort experienced by the patient may interfere with the progression of the patient's medical examination or procedure.
