Colonoscopy is a test to look inside the colon for polyps, cancers, ulcers, and other medical problems. After the age of 45, it is when it is most important to have it because it is the time when diseases that are detected through Colonoscopy usually manifest. This medical examination can be annoying, so the patient is generally given some sedatives before starting. At FastlyHealwe, explain in detail what this process consists of in which an inspection from the rectum to the large intestine is carried out and how to prepare.
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What is Colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is a medical exam that begins in the rectum. A colonoscope is inserted into the anus, and as it progresses, the intestine is inflated with a jet of air so that its surface can be better seen.
The colonoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a lamp and camera on the tip. Thanks to the images that it is capturing, the doctor can explore our colon’s interior and see it through the screen. What is tried with this is to rule out the presence of polyps, cancer, or other abnormalities in the entire area. In addition, while the inspection is being carried out, tissue samples or polyps can also be removed, with small forceps inserted with the colonoscope. Generally, the Colonoscopy lasts between 20 and 30 minutes.
After the test is over, it takes 30 to 60 minutes to recover and allow the sedative effects to wear off. But still, it is usually recommended that the patient return home accompanied by someone.
Preparing for the Colonoscopy
The intestines must be empty and clean for the examination to be practical and possible abnormalities to be correctly detected.
Your doctor will give you the precise instructions to follow, but usually these are the steps:
- Do not eat solid foods the day before and on the test day.
- Drink plenty of fluids: water, tea, broths, juices, and sports drinks without additional colorants.
- Consult the contraindications if certain types of medications are consumed. If you take any kind of medication, you must consult your doctor because some can interfere with the Colonoscopy. Typically, contraindicated for this test are anti-inflammatories, blood thinners, diabetes and hypertension medications, and fish oil supplements.
- Your doctor will prescribe bowel prep medications to cleanse the colon and leave it in the optimal condition required by Colonoscopy. They are medicines that start the day before the exam and usually have a laxative effect.
- Plan your activities for the day of the test, it is essential to rest for at least one or two hours after the test, and it is not advisable to drive due to the effects of the sedative.
The importance of this test
It is not a highly complex test, although it is annoying and requires prior preparation to avoid uncomfortable moments such as intestinal discomfort due to laxative medicine. Despite this, it is a necessary test, especially to detect and treat colon cancer in time, determine the presence of polyps in the area, and treat them before they become a significant problem.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Colonoscopy: what it is and how to prepare , we recommend that you enter our Digestive System category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.