Colonoscopy - the "gold standard" in the diagnosis of diseases of the rectum

Colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows a detailed examination of the mucous membrane of the large intestine for the presence of polyps, tumors and other pathologies, which in most cases represent a serious danger to the patient. Colonoscopy is performed using a special tool - an endoscope.

What is a colonoscopy for?

Indications for colonoscopy include the suspicion or presence of any disease of the colon. This includes polyps, tumors, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, intestinal obstruction, intestinal bleeding and the presence of foreign bodies.

Separately, it is worth noting the effectiveness of colonoscopy in the diagnosis of precancerous conditions, since this method of investigation allows to identify the formations that are not visible during irrigoscopy (X-ray examination of the colon). Thus, colonoscopy is the most effective method of preventing colon and colon cancer.

How is a colonoscopy performed?

Contrary to popular belief, colonoscopy is a painless procedure that is usually well tolerated by patients and can cause only minor discomfort. During the procedure, the doctor will do everything possible to reduce the discomfort in the patient. The patient needs to understand that the effectiveness of colonoscopy is largely dependent on his assistance to the medical staff, so he should follow their instructions as clearly as possible. It also helps to move the procedure more easily.

Before the study, it is necessary to clean the large intestine from stool and fluids. The doctor will give you advice on how to prepare for the procedure and cleanse the intestines. Usually, enemas and laxatives are used for this.

Colonoscopy is performed in a special room and takes 10-15 minutes. On the eve of the study, you can give an antispasmodic to relax the muscles of the intestine and reduce discomfort. Before the study, sedatives are also used . If the patient has pain in the anus, then local anesthesia can also be used.

For the study, the patient removes clothing from the lower half of the body and lays down on the left side, bending the knees. Then the doctor enters through the anus a colonoscope and gradually moves it along the intestine. Air is used to spread the lumen through the colonoscope. This can cause a sensation of bloating, but the injected air will be aspirated at the conclusion of the study, so that unpleasant sensations will pass. During a colonoscopy, the doctor can ask the patient to change the position (turn on the back or on the other side). Upon completion of the examination, the colonoscope is carefully withdrawn from the body.

During colonoscopy, other procedures are often performed, including biopsy, polypectomy and stopping internal bleeding.

Are there any contraindications to the procedure?

Colonoscopy is contraindicated in the presence of certain diseases, including acute infectious diseases, heart failure, pulmonary insufficiency, peritonitis, ulcerative and ischemic colitis, and clotting disorders.

What can I expect after a colonoscopy?

Discomfort and unpleasant sensations usually pass themselves a few hours after the colonoscopy. You can eat and drink immediately after the completion of the study. Typically, patients are advised to stay for several hours in the hospital under medical supervision.

Colonoscopy is a safe procedure, complications after which are extremely rare. Possible consequences of the study include bleeding, gut perforation or an allergic reaction to sedatives or analgesics.