| Having a colonoscopy |
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Your doctor has recommended
that you have a colonoscopy and this leaflet provides some information
about the procedure. If it doesn't answer all your questions,
or if you have any worries, please do not hesitate to ask your
consultant or nurse for more information.
It is natural to feel a bit nervous about having any medical procedure,
but often knowing what to expect can help. |
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| What is a colonoscopy?
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A colonoscopy is an examination
of the lining of the colon (large bowel) using a flexible, tube-like
telescope called a colonoscope. This instrument is carefully passed
through your rectum (back passage) and into the colon.
A colonoscopy is useful for finding out what is causing your symptoms,
or as a check-up for certain bowel conditions. During the procedure,
the doctor may take a biopsy - a sample of the lining of the colon-
for examination in the laboratory. It is also possible to remove
polyps, small lumps of tissue that may be found on the lining
of the colon.
Colonoscopy is routinely performed as an outpatient or day case,
requiring no overnight stay in hospital. A general anaesthetic
is not usually required, but you will generally be given a sedative
to help ensure that you are relaxed and comfortable during the
procedure. |
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| About the procedure |
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| A colonoscopy usually takes
about half an hour to perform. The procedure will not hurt, although
it may be a bit uncomfortable. |
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| Preparing for the procedure
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For the doctor to see the
lining of the colon clearly, it needs to be completely empty.
To achieve this, you will need to follow a special diet for a
few days before the procedure. For this diet, high-fibre foods
need to be avoided. The hospital will provide menu advice.
You will also be given a laxative, which will come with detailed
instructions on how and when to take it. You will be advised to
drink plenty of clear fluids on the day before the examination.
Please do follow these instructions very carefully. If the colon
is not completely empty, the doctor may not be able to get a clear
view and the examination may have to be repeated. |
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| Sedation and pain relief
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| Before the procedure begins,
a sedative injection is given through a small plastic tube (a
cannula) placed in a vein, often in the back of your hand. Almost
immediately, this will make you feel relaxed and drowsy. You may
also be given a painkiller. |
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| Consent |
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Before you have your colonoscopy,
you will be given a consent form to sign. By doing this, you confirm
that you understand what will happen during the procedure, and
give your permission for it to go ahead.
Many patients feel uncomfortable with the idea that a procedure
may involve risks, but to make an informed choice, you need to
know about the possible risks before you give consent. |
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| What are the risks? |
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| Colonoscopy is generally
a safe procedure. For most people, the benefits of having a clear
diagnosis, or quick and effective treatment, are much greater
than any disadvantages. However, like all invasive medical procedures,
there are some risks. These can be divided into the risk of side-effects
and the risk of complications. |
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| Side-effects |
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| These are the unwanted,
but usually mild and temporary, effects of a successful procedure.
After a colonoscopy, you may feel bloated and have wind pains,
but these usually clear up quite quickly. Any sedative may make
you feel sleepy. |
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| Complications |
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Your doctor will be very
experienced at performing this type of procedure, but, even so,
a few
colonoscopies are not successfully completed and may need to be
repeated.
Other complications are uncommon, but it is possible for the colon
to be damaged or perforated during the procedure. This can lead
to bleeding and infection, which may require treatment with medicines
or surgery.
The chance of complications depends on the exact type of procedure
you are having and other factors such as your general health.
You should ask your consultant to explain how these risks apply
to you. |
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| What to expect |
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In a private room or cubicle,
you will be asked to remove your lower clothing and put on a hospital
gown. You may also asked to remove contact lenses or any jewellery,
which will be kept safe for you during the procedure. To help
ensure you are as comfortable as possible, and to provide reassurance,
a nurse will stay with you throughout.
If a sedative has been given, the procedure will not start until
it has taken effect. With you resting comfortably on your side,
the colonoscope will be carefully inserted into your rectum.
Air will be passed through the tube and into the colon to make
the lining easier to see. When this happens, you may briefly feel
pains similar to having wind. You may also feel that you want
to go to the toilet, but as the colon is empty, this will not
be possible. You may pass some wind, but do try not to feel embarrassed
about this, as the staff expect it to happen.
At the end of the colonoscope, a tiny light and lens enable the
doctor to see if any disease is present. If necessary, the doctor
will take a biopsy of the colon's lining for analysis. Any polyps
that are found can also be removed. Both techniques are quick
and painless, using specialist instruments that can be passed
inside the colonoscope.
When the examination is finished, the colonoscope is removed quickly
and easily. |
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| After the colonoscopy |
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| You will rest in a full-length
chair or on a bed for about half an hour. The nursing staff will
be on hand to make sure you are comfortable. If you have had a
sedative, you may doze off during this time. |
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| Going home |
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| The effects of any sedative
may last longer than you expect, so you should not drive, operate
machinery or drink alcohol for 24 hours after your examination.
This means that you will have to arrange for someone to take you
home and stay with you for the first day. Once home, it's sensible
to take it easy for the first 24 hours. Most patients feel able
to resume normal activities on the following day. |
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| Results |
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If you have a biopsy or
polyps removed, the results will be ready several days later and
will usually be sent in a report to the doctor who recommended
the test. Other findings can be discussed before you leave the
hospital. After having a sedative, it may be a good idea to
have someone with you when you are told the results, as you may
not remember them afterwards.
This leaflet describes standard treatment. Your experience
may differ slightly. If you have any unanswered questions or concerns,
please do feel free to raise them at any time when you come to
the hospital |
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| Further Information |
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Healthwise (Health Information Resource
Centre)
Tel : (852) 2849 2400
Fax : (852) 2849 2900
Email : info@healthwise.org.hk
Homepage : http://www.healthwise.org.hk/
This leaflet is for information only. For a detailed
opinion or personal advice, please consult with your own
doctor |
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