COLONOSCOPY
What is it?
Colonoscopy is a procedure where a colonoscope (a flexible small tube with a camera on the end) is used to exam the large bowel (colon).
What can I expect?
The procedure is a day case and requires bowel preparation the day beforehand.
It is preformed under sedation by an anaesthetist, most people don't remember the test.
You will need someone to collect you after the procedure because of the sedation used during the test.
Why do I need this test?
Colonoscopy is used for both a screening test (picking up problems in patients with no symptoms) and to investigate bowel problems including bleeding.
A colonoscopy can look for:
· Colon polyps - growths in the lining of the bowel that can become cancers. Removal of polyps is the best way to prevent bowel cancer.
· Cancer of the colon (bowel cancer).
· It can also help diagnose the cause of other symptoms such as bleeding, diarrhea, constipation, a change in bowel habits or abdominal pain.
Colonoscopy is the best screening test for colon cancer.
Current guidelines state that everyone - 50 years or older should be having a colonoscopy at least every 5 years.
If you have a family history or bowel cancer or bowel polyps then you may need to start having colonoscopy examinations before 50.
If you have symptoms of bowel problems including bleeding, change your bowel habits, abdominal pain or anaemia you may also need a colonoscopy before the age of 50.
What are the risks?
· Colonoscopy is a safe procedure.
· Rarely there may be bleeding if biopsy are taken or polyps removed..
· 1:1000 risk of causing a hole to the bowel (perforation). An operation may be required to close or repair the hole.
What is it?
Colonoscopy is a procedure where a colonoscope (a flexible small tube with a camera on the end) is used to exam the large bowel (colon).
What can I expect?
The procedure is a day case and requires bowel preparation the day beforehand.
It is preformed under sedation by an anaesthetist, most people don't remember the test.
You will need someone to collect you after the procedure because of the sedation used during the test.
Why do I need this test?
Colonoscopy is used for both a screening test (picking up problems in patients with no symptoms) and to investigate bowel problems including bleeding.
A colonoscopy can look for:
· Colon polyps - growths in the lining of the bowel that can become cancers. Removal of polyps is the best way to prevent bowel cancer.
· Cancer of the colon (bowel cancer).
· It can also help diagnose the cause of other symptoms such as bleeding, diarrhea, constipation, a change in bowel habits or abdominal pain.
Colonoscopy is the best screening test for colon cancer.
Current guidelines state that everyone - 50 years or older should be having a colonoscopy at least every 5 years.
If you have a family history or bowel cancer or bowel polyps then you may need to start having colonoscopy examinations before 50.
If you have symptoms of bowel problems including bleeding, change your bowel habits, abdominal pain or anaemia you may also need a colonoscopy before the age of 50.
What are the risks?
· Colonoscopy is a safe procedure.
· Rarely there may be bleeding if biopsy are taken or polyps removed..
· 1:1000 risk of causing a hole to the bowel (perforation). An operation may be required to close or repair the hole.