What is a colonoscopy?
- A colonoscopy (scope) is the examination of the lower gastrointestinal tract to diagnose and in some cases, treat problems. This procedure involves passing a colonoscope – a long, thin, flexible tube with a ‘video camera’ at the tip – through the rectum into the colon (large intestine, large bowel). It allows the doctor to inspect the colon and to perform specialised procedures such as taking biopsies for pathology and removal of polyps (abnormal growths that sometimes develop into cancer).
- It is generally a painless, quick day hospital procedure.
What happens during a colonoscopy?
- Throughout the procedure, deep sedation will be administered, ensuring that you will remain unaware of any discomfort.
- The procedure has a duration of approximately 45 minutes, and subsequent to its completion, the patient will undergo monitoring in the hospital for a few hours. Typically, patients can be discharged on the same day and safely return home.
Faecal Occult Blood Test v colonoscopy – what’s the difference?
- The Fecal Occult Blood Test, also known as the National Bowel Cancer Testing Kit, dispatched by mail to Australians upon reaching the age of 50, serves as a screening test rather than a diagnostic tool. Its application is limited to asymptomatic individuals. In the presence of symptoms or a previous diagnosis of colonic polyps, it is imperative to undergo a colonoscopy in accordance with the recommendations provided by your healthcare professional.
- However, if you test positive for the FOBT, you will be asked to see your GP about a colonoscopy to clarify the findings, which should generally be performed within 4-8 weeks.
- It’s also important to note that even if the FOBT test is normal, ANY symptoms such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss (at any age) should be discussed with your GP.
- Colonoscopy is a diagnostic test for people who test positive for FOBT or else have new or persistent bowel symptoms including, rectal bleeding, altered bowel habits (e.g. diarrhoea, constipation), abdominal pain, unexplained anaemia and a sensation the bowel has not emptied completely after bowel movement.
Who is at extra risk of bowel cancer?
- Today, bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in Australia in both men and women, and it is highly treatable if treated early.
- Risk factors include People who have had a close relative diagnosed with bowel cancer, older age, excessive red meat intake, lack of dietary fibre, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity and lack of exercise. There are various other risk factors that would need more research and studies for confirmation.
What do colonoscopies detect?
A colonoscopy can detect
- Anal fissures
- Colon Cancer
- Colitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Diverticulitis
- Haemorrhoids
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Ulcers
Why do I need to follow a special diet the week before my colonoscopy?
- Patients need to follow a special diet 3-7 days before the surgery to ensure the colon is “clear” enough for the specialist to detect any unusual polyps or other bowel abnormalities. The last 24 hours are clear liquids only.
- It is important to read the instructions fully 7 days before your procedure and NOT to wait until the day before your procedure to read your bowel prep instructions, as it is vital your bowel is completely empty before your procedure, and this will take several days.
- Not following the bowel preparation instructions can have implications on the efficacy of the procedure, potentially leading to additional costs and unnecessary anesthesia for the patient.
- Individualised bowel preparation instructions will be emailed to you at the time of booking your procedure.
What are the risks of colonoscopy?
The procedure poses very few risks, but rarely complications may include:
Adverse reaction to the anaesthetic
Bleeding from the site where a sample was taken
A tear in the colon wall
Pain for a few days post-surgery, especially if haemorrhoids were treated.
Generally, colonoscopy has a good safety profile with a very low complication rate.
Why use the PillCam (capsule endoscopy)?
- Dr Zarghom may suggest a capsule endoscopy or “pill cam” for select patients, which is more accurate than a colonoscopy alone.
- Capsule endoscopy helps doctors see your small intestine – which isn’t as easily reached with a traditional endoscopy tube.
- This procedure is especially valuable in identifying sources of bleeding within the small intestines in about 60-70% of patients, detecting small intestinal cancers, or diagnosing various other inflammatory conditions affecting the small intestine.
- During the procedure, the patient swallows a tiny capsule that contains a miniscule camera, battery light and transmitter and takes pictures of the stomach as it moves through the gut.
- The images are transmitted to a recorder worn around the patient’s waist, and this procedure involves a few hours of fasting.
- Individualised instructions will be emailed to you at the time of booking your procedure.
- You will pass the tablet in the toilet about 24 hours later.
What should I consider after a colonoscopy?
- If you had sedation, do not drive for 24 hours.
- You will need to have someone drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours. If you fail to arrange for “someone” to take you home after the procedure, unfortunately, we will have to cancel the procedure on the day even if you have completed your bowel preparation. TAXI and UBER are not accepted. Someone (family or friends) has to attend personally for your pickup.
- Avoid drinking alcohol for 24 hours.
- Avoid signing any important documents for 24 hours.
Language Sources/ Resources from GESA (Gastrointestinal Society of Australia
