What is a colonoscopy, preparation for the procedure

The main research revealing a lot of pathologies of the human colon is colonoscopy. Preparation for the procedure is an important part of the research, without which it is impossible to obtain correct data on the state of human health.

Methods of intestinal examination

Colonoscopy, as a method of research of the intestine, has been effectively used since 1965, after the creation of the fibrocolonoscope - the device with which the procedure is performed. Previously, a rectosigmoidoscope was used for this study. He allowed to examine only thirty centimeters of the intestine, besides, the procedure itself was very painful.

The entire length of the intestine was examined using x-rays. But the full picture of the state of the intestine did not allow investigation and did not allow revealing some pathologies. Establishing an accurate diagnosis required surgical intervention, which often led to undesirable consequences for the health status of the subject. The obvious imperfection of the existing methods of research and gave impetus to the search for new more effective methods of instrumental diagnostics.

What is a colonoscopy?

To date, colonoscopy is the most effective and accurate way of instrumental diagnosis of colon diseases. In addition, the fibrocolonoscope makes it possible to take tissue samples for histology and polyp removal.

Fibrocolonoscopes are divided into several types, depending on the length of the working part. The working part is flexible, which allows it to move freely in the gut. The end of the device is equipped with a camera that transmits the image of the walls of the intestine to the monitor. The presence of an aspirator inside the device allows you to remove pathological fluids and stop bleeding at the time colonoscopy of the intestine is performed.

Preparation for the procedure must be carried out necessarily. It consists in complete emptying of the intestine for free movement of the fibrocolonoscope.

Diseases of the large intestine

The large intestine is the department of the human gastrointestinal tract. Its main functions are the adsorption of processed foods nutrients, the formation of stool and transport them out.

The length of the colon can reach two meters, the diameter in different parts of the intestine - from four to eight centimeters. This department of the gastrointestinal tract consists of the blind, colon and rectum.

The large intestine is prone to a variety of diseases and pathologies. The most common of these are:

• Crohn's disease;
• ulcerative colitis;
• hemorrhoids;
• Benign and malignant tumors;
• Diverticula.

Most diseases of the large intestine are detected with high accuracy when a colonoscopy is performed. Preparation for the procedure, according to the recommendations of the doctor, increases the accuracy of the post-diagnosis diagnosis.

Indication for the procedure

Colonoscopy of the intestine, preparation for the procedure - a diet recommended before the procedure, help to identify a variety of intestinal diseases in the early stages of development. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which can be diagnosed by having a colonoscopy:

• ulcerative colitis;
• Intestinal obstruction;
• Diverticula;
• Tumors of a different nature.

Diseases are accompanied by various symptoms. This constipation, diarrhea, pain in the intestine, bloating, spotting from the rectum. The appearance of one or several of the listed signs of colon disease is an indication in which a colonoscopy is performed. Preparation for the procedure takes time, so the doctor prescribes the date of the study in advance and gives recommendations for preparation.

In addition to diagnosing digestive disorders, colonoscopy is prescribed to prepare for some gynecological operations, for taking a biopsy and so on. The examination of the colon is also recommended for people over 50 years of age and people at risk to identify benign and malignant neoplasms. In some countries, the passage of a colonoscopy once a year is a prerequisite for medical care.

Contraindications

Colonoscopy, as a method of instrumental diagnosis, has a number of contraindications. In some pathologies, the examination may have negative consequences for the patient, and in some cases even bear a threat to life. Such diseases include:

• Myocardial infarction;
• peritonitis;
• Cardiac or pulmonary insufficiency of the last stage;
• Acute colitis.

In addition, there are certain pathological conditions that distort the overall picture of the patient's health status and prevent the obtaining of accurate data. This greatly reduces the effectiveness of colonoscopy. Bleeding intestine, low blood coagulability, recent surgery in the peritoneum, inguinal hernia, umbilical hernia, general severe condition of the patient are contraindications, in which colonoscopy is not recommended. Preparation for a procedure with a violation of medical recommendations also will not allow for a study.

Colonoscopy of the intestine: preparation for the procedure

Reviews about the survey and the preparations for it are not the most joyful. This is quite understandable. The procedure is not very pleasant, it can be painful, preparation requires a certain degree of patience. However, if there are signs of a pathology of the large intestine, it is worth going through. All the disadvantages compensate for the benefit that the colonoscopy of the intestine brings. Preparation for the procedure is carried out, according to the recommendations of the doctor who prescribes the procedure. Colonoscopy, as a rule, is appointed for the morning, so it's easier to prepare. Preparation for a colonoscopy, if the procedure is performed in the morning, is carried out in two stages: compliance with diet and bowel movement.

But if the subject suffers from constipation, additional measures may be required. As a preliminary preparation, doctors often recommend cleaning the intestines before the beginning of the diet. For this, enemas are used, and also the administration of castor oil is prescribed. After preliminary cleaning of the intestine, the subject should follow a certain diet for several days. Further, the intestine is emptied by enema or special preparations, which the doctor will appoint.

Features of nutrition before colonoscopy

As stated above, if the patient is prone to constipation, three to four days before the procedure should be an enema or take castor oil to cleanse the digestive tract. This is preliminary preparation. Compliance with the diet for three days before the colonoscopy is done - preparation for the procedure. What can you eat during this diet?

The essence of the diet is to exclude from the diet slag products and products that cause fermentation. It is allowed to eat boiled and baked vegetables, dairy products, lean meat and fish, cheese. Exclude from the menu you need fresh vegetables and fruits, smoked products, sweets.

If it is a morning procedure, then you must refrain from eating for ten to twelve hours before the time when colonoscopy of the intestine is prescribed. Preparing for the procedure at home is also the subsequent use of special laxatives that purify the intestines for examination.

Preparations for colonoscopy

After preparation of the intestine with the help of a three-day slag - free diet, it is necessary to clean the intestines. This is the next step in preparation for the procedure. To cleanse the intestine, you can use an enema or apply a special drug. Before the morning procedure, the enema should be placed twice: in the evening - the day before the procedure and in the morning on the day of the procedure. The intestine is considered completely cleared when the stool becomes like transparent water. To strengthen the effect of the enema, you can use a means relaxing the gastrointestinal tract. These include magnesia solution and castor oil.

If for any reason an enema is not available (cracks or hemorrhoids), osmotic laxatives should be used. In this case, laxatives are used, specially created for complete purification of the digestive tract before endoscopic research, ultrasound, and surgical operation. Any of these drugs can be used only on the advice of a doctor and following the instructions to the drug.

"Lavakol"

"Lavakol" is a preparation based on polyethylene glycol MM 4000. The action of the drug is aimed at the delay and accumulation in the body of water. Water increases the stool mass and accelerates their release. "Lavakol" should be used only as prescribed by the doctor, since the drug has a number of contraindications.

Preparation for a colonoscopy "Lavakolom", if the procedure will be performed in the morning, starts at about 14:00. Packing consists of fifteen packets of powder. Each packet is bred in 200 ml of water and used every twenty minutes. Thus, in a few hours, three liters of solution are taken.

Fortrans

"Fortrans" - an osmotic agent aimed at complete cleansing of the intestine. The active substance is similar to the main component of "Lavakol". "Fortrans" is produced by the French pharmaceutical company in the form of a powder. The package contains four packages of the drug, each of which is designed for twenty kilograms of body weight.

Preparing for a colonoscopy "Fortrans", if the procedure is performed in the morning, is to prepare the necessary amount of the drug (at the rate of one sachet per liter of water) and use the solution as quickly as possible. It is recommended to take the drug in small portions, taking breaks five to ten minutes, for two to four hours. Take the drug should be in the evening, on the eve of the colonoscopy.

"Fleet"

The "Fleet" preparation is different from the similar ones of "Lavakola" and "Fortrans" with the active substance, the form of release and the method of administration. The package consists of two vials of laxative. One bottle dissolves in half a glass of water. Preparing for a colonoscopy "Flitom", if the procedure is performed in the morning, begins one day before the colonoscopy. The first dose of the drug is taken in the morning after breakfast, the second - in the evening after dinner. During the day, you need to drink about a liter of liquid.

"Fleet", like other osmotic laxatives, has contraindications. Therefore, you can take it only after consulting a doctor. The doctor will also give detailed recommendations for taking the drug.

Procedure

Do not be afraid that a colonoscopy is a painful procedure. The examination undoubtedly brings discomfort, but the patient does not experience strong pain sensations. In addition, the procedure can be done with the use of anesthesia and anesthesia. Small children before colonoscopy are made general anesthesia.

The examination is carried out by a proctologist or endoscopist, he is assisted by a nurse. The patient is placed on the couch on the left side, bends the legs in the knees and pulls them to the stomach. If necessary, anesthetics or anesthesia are used. The colonoscope is inserted into the anus and gradually moves along the thick intestine. The camera at the end of the probe displays the data on the monitor, and the doctor has the opportunity to examine in detail the walls of the intestine for the presence of pathologies.

Since after cleansing the intestine is in an adherent state, the probe is facilitated by the air supplied from the tip of the device. The air irritates the intestinal mucosa and causes bloating. This also causes the patient discomfort.

The colonoscope camera carries out video shooting, which helps to study the received material in more detail after the procedure. Based on the findings, the doctor diagnoses the pathology, if any, and directs the patient to a specialist for treatment.