Colonoscopy – the peek inside

Colonoscopy the peek inside

Colonoscopy the peek inside

Colonoscopy can detect ulcers, inflamed tissue and abnormal growth with early signs of colorectal cancer. It helps doctors diagnose unexplained changes in bowel habits, bleeding from the anus, abdominal pain and weight loss.

The terms rectum and colon are used synonymously but colon is only one part of large intestine, which is also called the large bowel. The natural process from digestive system to anus is that the digestive waste enters the colon through small intestine as semi solid, moisture is removed and stool is formed. Rectum connects the colon to anus, through which stool is disposed. The muscles and nerves in the rectum and anus control bowel movements.

In colonoscopy, a long flexible lighted tube called colonoscope is inserted in the anus which guides through the rectum to the colon. The large intestine is inflated with carbon dioxide gas so that the doctor has a better view. The camera mounted on the instrument helps to view the intestinal lining on computer. This may be dangerous as uncommon complications like bleeding and puncture of large intestine are possible. A more careful examination can be done by special procedures like laser therapy or taking abnormal tissue samples with tiny biopsy forceps inserted through the colonoscope. Growth like Polyps may be removed with electrocautery snares for checking cancer growth, and photographs may be taken.

Colonoscopy is generally done for checking out early signs of cancer and it starts around the age of 50. But there are special cases with family history or other risk factors. Other reasons may be Abdominal pain, Anemia due to low iron (usually when no other cause has been found), or weight loss, Abnormal changes (such as polyps) found on sigmoidoscopy or x-ray tests (CT scan or barium enema), Follow-up of a past finding, such as polyps or colon cancer, Blood in the stool, or black, tarry stools, Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), Screening for colorectal cancer and changes in bowel movements.

The recovery from colonoscopy does not take more than an hour due to the effect of sedatives. Cramping or bloating may occur in patients initially. But the rare side effects are severe abdominal pain, fever, bloody bowel movements, dizziness and weakness for which doctor should be contacted. Also, online healthcare services can provide some idea about the steps to be taken in emergency. Technology proves to be a boon in times of dire need.

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