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What Can You Expect After A Colonoscopy?

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Colonoscopy is a test which is performed to identify any sort of abnormalities in the rectum and large intestine. For performing this test an instrument known as colonoscope is used, it is a long tube having a small camera at the tip. This colonoscope is then carefully inserted in the body of the patient through rectum. The camera present at the tip of the tube provides clear visuals of the large intestine also known as colon and rectum.

During the test if doctors find existence of any unwanted tissue or polyps then while performing the test they remove some portion of those tissues. These tissue samples are then tested further to know their feature and how severe they are?

Why the Procedure is Done?

Doctors prescribe colonoscopy under following conditions:

Intestine Problems: Colonoscopy is extremely effective in identifying bleeding from rectum, problems related to large intestine, abdominal cramps, chronic diarrhea/constipation. Details related to all these problems are clearly identified through this test.

Detecting Colon Cancer: Patients who are more than 50 years old or are suspected to suffer from colon cancer are prescribed to undergo this test. After 50 years, individuals are advised to undergo this test once in every 10 years for complete screening of colon. The frequency of colon screening can be increased depending on the condition of the patient. Discuss in detail with doctor about the after effects of the test and other details.

Detecting Polyps: For patients who have suffered from polyps in the past, doctors suggest colonoscopy to such patient as a step to follow up. This helps in identifying the existence of polyps in the body.

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What Can You Expect After A Colonoscopy?
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What Can You Expect After A Colonoscopy?

During the Test: During the test patients are allowed to wear only a loose gown and nothing else. Depending on the severity of the condition anesthesia is given to the patient; anesthesia is given right before starting the procedure. For small procedure mild anesthesia is given to patient in pills form, on the contrary; for detailed procedure high dose anesthesia is injected in patient’s body. If the patient feels any sort of discomfort then combination of sedative and pain killer is given to patient.

Patient is asked to lie down on the examination table in a particular position keens bend towards the chest. Doctor then slowly inserts the colonoscope in the rectum of the patient, the tube is decently long enough to cover the entire colon. In order to widen the size of the rectum air is blown in the rectum area. Widen rectum will give a clear insight of the entire large intestine. Camera attached on the tube transfer images of the inner colon to an external monitor. The entire procedure takes approximately 20 minutes to maximum one hour to complete.

After the Examination: Once the test is complete, the effect of sedative starts to reduce and it takes almost an hour to completely recover from the effect of sedative. Patients are always advised to accompany friend or family members while returning back home, this is so because it takes one complete day to get recover from the effect of anesthesia. During this period, the patient is not advised to do any heavy work that required concentration.

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In case doctors find any abnormal tissue or polyp in patient’s body, which is removed as sample then for some time a special diet is prescribed to the patient. This is a temporary diet and not a permanent one. As air is pumped inside the colon, so after the procedure is over patient may feel bloated or pass gas. In this condition a light walk may be of great help. As an after effect of the test one may also see some traces of blood in their first motion. If the frequency of blood in the motion remains same for some time or if patient constantly feel cramps in the abdominal area then it is high advised to consult a doctor immediately without delay.

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Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:April 22, 2019

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