Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure that allows the examination of the colon and the end of the small intestine. The colonoscope is an instrument for examination and which allows the inside of the colon and the lower part of the small intestine to be seen on the monitor. The review lasts 30-45 minutes.

INDICATIONS / WHY IT IS DONE?

• In order to investigate the causes of the following symptoms and signs: pain in the stomach, fresh blood in the stool, black diarrhea stool, chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea and others.

• For the purpose of early detection of malignant tumor (cancer) of the colon.

• For the purpose of taking tissue for biopsy and detection of inflammation or tumor (malignant or benign).

• For the purpose of eliminating polyps (therapeutic purposes).

HOW IT IS PERFORMED?

• The procedure is performed in local or short-term general anesthesia. In local anesthesia, the examination is not painful, but it’s unpleasant. The application of short-term general anesthesia is increasingly advised.

• Performed with the help of a colonoscope. The colonoscope is a long flexible tube with a video camera at the top that is introduced through the worm over the entire colon to the mouth of the colon in the small intestine. In order to allow adequate examination of the mucous membrane, the air is introduced into the colon, which can cause cramping or calling discharge.

• A small amount of tissue for a pathohistological analysis can be taken during the procedure.

POTENTIAL RISKS

• An allergic reaction to an anesthetic or a medicine that is given before the intervention.

• Bleeding from the place where the biopsy tissue was taken or from the place from which the polyps were removed.

• Injury of the colon wall (perforation) by instrument.

PREPARATION

• In order for the colonoscopy to be adequately performed, the colon should be free of the contents, which can be achieved by the use of drugs that empty the intestines and the diet. Preparation in most cases begins 24 hours before examination. Plan your responsibilities because it is necessary to be near the toilet a day before the colonoscopy. In some cases preparation for colonoscopy is longer and must be performed in hospital conditions.

• You should not eat solid food before the procedure. You can bring non-alcoholic, clear beverages: clear soups, clear fruit juices, tea, water. Avoid red beverages. Do not eat or drink anything before the procedure. You can take your medication with a small amount of water.

• Fortrans powder is most commonly used as a preparation for the preparation, as follows: Dissolve two Fortrans powders in 2 liters of water and start drinking at 10am in the morning. You should drink this amount of fluid for the next 2 -2.5 hours. Emptying the colon begins 1-2 hours after you have drunk Fortrans. At 18:00, dissolve two more Fortrans powders in 2 liters of water and drink for the next 2 – 2.5 hours.

• If you are suffering from diabetes, consult your doctor about adjusting the dose of insulin before the procedure.

• If you are taking medicines that prevent blood clotting (Aspirin, Plavix, Clopidix, Farin, Sincum, Sintra, Pradaxa, Xarelto, Eliquis, Fraxiparin), consult your doctor about correcting the dose of the medicine before the procedure.

AFTER COLONOSCOPY

• If the colonoscopy is performed in general anesthesia it is not recommended to work and drive for the next 24 hours. It is advisable to come with somebody.

• You may feel overweight or let go of gases (these symptoms pass within a few hours).

• Tea and water can be drunk after 2 hours, after which you can have a light meal. If you have severe stomach pain, temperature higher than 38 C or more severe bleeding, contact Tesla Medical team immediately.