Colonoscopy

The colonoscopy procedure allows for the examination of the inner part of the patient's large intestine, also known as the colon. It is an important examination used for the diagnosis of health problems such as inflammatory bowel diseases and colon cancer. The colonoscopy procedure also provides significant benefits in the treatment and prevention of colon cancer. Op. Dr. İbrahim Çolhan, who serves patients in Adana, explained what needs to be known about the colonoscopy procedure, which can be completed within ten to fifteen minutes.

What is a Colonoscopy?

The colonoscopy examination, used for the examination of the inner part of the large intestine, is an important screening tool for health problems such as colon polyps, colon and rectal cancer. In addition, the colonoscopy procedure;

• In the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease,
• In cases of bowel ischemia, which leads to reduced blood flow to the intestines,
• In cases of diverticulosis, which forms small pouches on the inner surface of the intestines,
• In cases of inflammation of pouches caused by diverticulitis or diverticulosis,
• In ulcer cases,
• In large bowel obstructions,
• And it is an important diagnostic tool for gastrointestinal perforations.

How is a Colonoscopy Performed?

The colonoscopy procedure allows doctors to check and evaluate the patient's entire colon, meaning the inside of the large intestine. The examination is performed with a long and flexible tube called a colonoscope. One end of the tube has a lighted camera system. The colonoscope, inserted into the patient's rectum, is advanced into the colon area. Along the way, it transmits images of the large intestine to a monitor. To facilitate a more comfortable colonoscopy examination and ensure a clearer image, the doctor may introduce a certain amount of air into the intestines. In addition, anesthesia, pain relievers, or sedatives may be administered to the patient before the colonoscopy. This application is preferred to ensure the patient does not feel any pain during the colonoscopy.

Why is a Colonoscopy Performed?

Colonoscopy is one of the most important tools for determining the cause of symptoms occurring in the intestine. For example:

• To detect the cause of rectal bleeding or blood in the stool,
• For persistent and chronic constipation and diarrhea problems,
• Colonoscopy is used to determine the underlying cause of unexplained weight loss and fatigue.
• To examine polyps, or growths, occurring in the intestines,
• To observe the symptoms of bowel diseases,
• For the detection of diseases such as Crohn's disease,
• Diverticular disease or diverticulitis,
• Ulcerative colitis,
• Bowel cancer, the colonoscopy method is utilized.

What Are the Benefits of Colonoscopy?

Early Detection of Colorectal Cancers

Colon cancer is among the most aggressive types of cancer. Therefore, early diagnosis of colon cancer is both difficult and important, as timely intervention saves lives. The colonoscopy procedure is the most effective tool for the early diagnosis of colorectal cancers. This is because even small traces of cancer, which can spread rapidly and have the potential to be life-threatening, can be detected with a colonoscopy.

Detection and Removal of Polyps

Cases of colon cancer often develop with a polyp. These small clusters of cells, called polyps, occur in the lining of the colon. Polyps can vary in size and shape. Generally benign and harmless, these polyps can sometimes grow, become cancerous, and turn very dangerous. You cannot tell on your own if you have a polyp in your intestine, as polyps do not cause any pain or inflammation in the body. The colonoscopy procedure allows for the detection of polyps as well as the removal of suspicious polyps. This reduces the risk of developing any type of colorectal cancer and eliminates the need for any surgical procedure to remove polyps.

Diverticulitis Detection

Over time, food and bacteria can accumulate in the pouches of the intestines, leading to painful inflammations and infections. This condition is called diverticulitis. If we were to list the symptoms indicating the formation of diverticulitis;

• Abdominal pain
• High fever,
• Constipation
• Bloating
• Bleeding
• Vomiting

Colonoscopy screening allows for the detection of bloating and infected tissue caused by diverticulitis.

What Are the Risks of Colonoscopy?

The risk factors that may arise from colonoscopy screening are as follows:

• Bleeding in the intestine
• Perforation in the intestine
• Heart or respiratory problems that may arise due to the sedative given to the patient before colonoscopy
• Severe pain felt in the abdominal area

Bleeding and perforation are among the most common complications seen in colonoscopy screening. However, these are still quite rare complications. Perforation occurs in three out of ten thousand people. Bleeding complications occur in approximately 15 out of ten thousand procedures. Bleeding and perforation usually occur in elderly patients or patients from whom polyps have been removed.

Doctors can immediately treat bleeding that occurs during a colonoscopy. However, there is a possibility of bleeding occurring up to approximately two weeks after the colonoscopy procedure. In such cases, the doctor can diagnose and treat the condition. If you experience any of the following symptoms after a colonoscopy, it is recommended that you seek immediate medical attention:

• Severe pain in the abdominal area
• High fever
• Uncontrolled bleeding from the anus
• Dizziness
• Feeling of weakness
• Bloody bowel movements that do not improve

What to Pay Attention to Before a Colonoscopy?

Three or four days before the colonoscopy procedure, the patient should eat as lightly as possible. This can support the bowel cleansing process. Consumption of solid foods should be stopped one day before the colonoscopy. Patients should spend this day consuming liquid foods such as water, tea, fruit juice, chicken broth, and boiled meat broth. On the day of the colonoscopy screening, patients are not advised to consume beverages such as milk or ayran (buttermilk).

Is Colonoscopy Painful? 

Many people refrain from having a colonoscopy, thinking it will be painful. However, colonoscopy screening is a painless procedure. Beforehand, the patient is given anesthetic medications to ensure they are relaxed and comfortable throughout the colonoscopy.

Can Cancer Be Detected During a Colonoscopy?

Colorectal cancers rank fourth among the most common types of cancer in men and women. The colonoscopy method is the most effective tool used in the diagnosis of colorectal cancers. The colonoscopy method, which contributes to both diagnosis and treatment processes, enables the detection of abnormal cell growths that may be symptoms of colorectal cancers. These cells are not only detected but can also be removed from the body during the colonoscopy.

How Long Does an Anesthetized Colonoscopy Take?

A colonoscopy is typically a procedure that can be completed within 10 to 15 minutes.

What Are the Dimensions of the Colonoscopy Tube?

The colonoscopy tube used has a diameter of around 1 cm and a length of 60 cm.

Which Doctor Should Be Seen for a Colonoscopy?

Gastroenterology specialists, who deal with the diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders, have also received special training in colonoscopy examinations. Therefore, one can apply to the gastroenterology department for a colonoscopy screening.