Is a colonoscopy considered surgery? During the colonoscopy, the doctor uses a colonoscope, a long, flexible tubular instrument about 1/2 inches in diameter that transmits an image of the colonic mucosa so that the doctor can examine it for any abnormalities. The colonoscope is inserted through the rectum and advanced to the other end of the colon.
The optics bends, so your doctor can move them along the curves of your colon. You may be asked to change positions from time to time to help your doctor move the option. The option also blows air into the colon, which expands the colon and helps the doctor see more clearly.
What it is colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is a type of colorectal cancer screening that is doubly protective because it provides more than early detection. Because colorectal cancer begins with abnormal growths called polyps, colonoscopy can prevent disease by detecting and removing polyps before they turn into cancer.
Colonoscopies are also performed to determine the causes of symptoms such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel function, abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss, as well as to diagnose Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
How is colonoscopy procedure performed?
Colonoscopy is performed in a department that is used only for endoscopic procedures. The patient lies on his left side, pulling his knees to his chest. The colonoscope is gently inserted through the anus and up into the colon, and air or carbon dioxide is injected to help the colonoscope pass.
As soon as the colonoscope reaches the point where the colon connects to the small intestine, the doctor slowly removes it, looking closely at the intestinal mucosa. You can take photos. The procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
If colon polyps are found during a colonoscopy, they are removed and the tissue is sent for analysis to determine if the polyp is cancerous. Removal of polyps or biopsy can cause bleeding. During the procedure, bleeding can be stopped with clips or other methods. If the bleeding is severe, a blood transfusion or re-introduction of the colonoscope may be needed to control the bleeding.
Can polyps be removed during a colonoscopy?
If your surgeon sees an area that needs more detailed evaluation, you can get a biopsy and send it to a lab for analysis. Biopsy is performed by placing a special instrument through a colonoscope. Most polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy. Most polyps are benign (non-cancerous), but your surgeon may not always be able to tell by their appearance alone. They can be removed by burning (fulguration) or with a wire loop (belt).
Is a colonoscopy considered surgery?
Surgery is generally considered to be the mainstay of treatment for colon or rectal cancer. The type of surgery on the rectum depends on the stage of the cancer, its location and the purpose of the operation. Radiation and chemotherapy are common before and after surgery. Early rectal tumors and polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy. Polypectomy involved the removal of a cancerous polyp on its leg, which is usually performed using a wire loop that is sent through a colonoscope to cut the polyp from the wall of the rectum using an electric current.
Local excision requires special tools during colonoscopy to pass through the colonoscope to remove small tumors on the inner lining of the rectum, as well as a small amount of healthy surrounding rectal tissue.
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What could go wrong during a colonoscopy procedure?
Colonoscopy is a safe procedure. But sometimes it can cause severe bleeding, ruptures in the colon, inflammation or infection of the intestine, known as diverticulitis, severe abdominal pain and problems in people with heart or blood vessel disease. Some complications can lead to blood transfusions, surgery, hospitalization or, rarely, death.
The test also has inconveniences. It is necessary to limit the diet and pre-take laxatives. And because the exam requires sedation, someone has to take you home and you can skip the workday. Therefore, you do not want to take the test more often than necessary.
What if I don’t want to undergo a colonoscopy procedure?
If you are in a moderate risk group, talk to your doctor about other testing options and ask your insurer about coverage. Other tests for polyps and cancer that require bowel preparation include flexible rectoscopy, which uses a short tube to examine the rectum and lower colon, and CT colonography, in which a tube is inserted into the rectum and an X-ray scanner creates pictures. Fecal tests can detect signs of cancer and do not require bowel preparation. Anomalies detected during the alternative test should be monitored by colonoscopy.
Is colonoscopy linked to bowel cancer?
Most people who have had a colonoscopy do not have bowel cancer. However, if you are referred, it is important that you have a procedure to be sure. If a colonoscopy reveals something of concern (such as polyps that may or may not be potentially cancerous), a sample will be taken for examination by a pathologist. The person may also need to have an imaging scan (such as an abdominal scan) before deciding on the best type of bowel cancer treatment.
Sometimes the first sign of bowel cancer is a sudden blockage of the bowel. When this happens, bowel cancer is diagnosed by X-ray or computed tomography (CT) and usually requires immediate surgery.
How do I prepare for a colonoscopy procedure?
· Diet change
A few days before the colonoscopy, you may be advised to avoid foods high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, brown rice, whole grain pasta, bran, cereals, nuts and seeds. Instead, choose low-fiber foods such as white rice, white bread, meat, chicken, fish, yogurt, cheese, potatoes and pumpkin.
· Taking laxatives
You may be prescribed a strong laxative 12-18 hours before the test. It is taken orally in liquid or tablet form, and this will lead to watery diarrhea, which will help you empty your bowels.
· Clear fluids intake
Your doctor may advise you to drink only liquids such as water, broth, black tea and coffee, as well as clear fruit juice (without pulp) for 12-24 hours before the test. This will help avoid dehydration.
· Ask if you need an enema
A common way to cleanse the intestines is to use an enema. This involves injecting fluid directly into the rectum. The enema solution washes the lower part of the intestine and together with the feces is excreted in the toilet.
Factors to consider before undergoing a colonoscopy procedure
- Are you taking any blood thinners such as aspirin, clopidogrel, pradaxa or warfarin
- List of all medications (prescription and over-the-counter), vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements you are currently taking
- Clean intestine so that the doctor can see the mucous membrane of the colon. This cleansing process is different, but you may be asked to change your diet and avoid certain foods the day before the procedure.
- Get a “bowel preparation kit” and instructions for its use. The kit contains substances that help cleanse the intestines. It may also include liquid drugs designed to stimulate bowel movements, as well as laxatives and other drugs. It is important to strictly follow the instructions given to you by the medical staff
- That you will be advised not to eat any food or liquid other than the liquid included in the bowel preparation kit for six hours before the procedure.
