Colonoscopy preparation and examination procedures carried out

Colonoscopy is an examination carried out to determine the occurrence of disorders or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum which often cause symptoms in the form of abdominal pain, blood in the stool, chronic diarrhea, bowel obstruction or abnormal picture in the intestine on X-ray and CT scan . Colonoscopy or also known as a binocular bowel action, often done to see an indication of the cause of colon cancer. People aged 50 years and over have a higher risk of developing colon cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to do a colonoscopy every 10 years after entering that age to detect the possibility of colon cancer.

Preparation Before a Colonoscopy

Before starting a colonoscopy, you should tell your doctor if you have certain medical conditions, such as pregnancy, lung or heart problems, a history of drug allergies, and a history of diabetes. It is intended that the doctor can give certain medications as necessary adjustments before colonoscopy. After consulting a doctor, there are a number of next steps to prepare before a colonoscopy, including:

• Clean the intestines

The doctor will ask you to empty your large intestine. Cleaning the large intestine aims to clarify the field of view of the examination so as to facilitate the process of colonoscopy.

• Limit or avoid certain foods

To help cleanse the intestines, some solid foods may be asked to be restricted or not even consumed before a colonoscopy. Likewise, certain types of drinks.

• Take laxatives

Your doctor may also recommend taking laxatives, both in pill form or liquid form. So that the large intestine is completely clean of impurities before colonoscopy.

• Use enemas

In part, the preparation of conoloscopy is done by flushing to clean the large intestine using an enema device. This can be done the night before the colonoscopy or a few hours beforehand. This procedure should be carried out under medical supervision.

Procedure when Starting a Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy must be done by a trained doctor. This examination generally takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour. As for the initial steps, the doctor will give you a sedative that makes you feel relaxed, even sleepy. Generally the recommended position is lying on your side, although there is a possibility that the doctor will ask you to change position during the examination. Once it's ready, the doctor will begin inserting a colonoscope through the anus until it reaches the base of the large intestine. A colonoscope is a device that resembles a long, small tube. The colonoscope is also flexible, which facilitates movement making it possible to examine all parts of the large intestine. Then, this tool can take pictures of the lining of the large intestine, so the doctor can see the screen to check and assess abnormalities that occur in the large intestine. During the colonoscopy procedure, you may feel mild cramps. However, you can reduce cramps by taking a few deep breaths. When the doctor finishes, the colonoscope is slowly pulled while looking at the lining of your intestine carefully. If the doctor sees something abnormal or suspicious in the large intestine, the doctor can take tissue samples to identify (tissue biopsy). Even in some cases, such as intestinal polyps, the colonoscope can function as a diagnostic tool as well as being able to remove the tissue without requiring major surgery. It is natural, if there is a little bleeding from the anus after biopsy or tissue removal. This condition will generally improve in a few days. Complications of colonoscopy are very rare, but if you experience abdominal pain or excessive bleeding, then immediately consult a doctor for further treatment.