What is a colonoscope?
A colonoscope is a flexible instrument approximately 1.5 m in length and 1-2cm diameter. It is passed via the anus into the rectum and is then maneuvered through the remainder of the large bowel.
What is colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is an invasive procedure, which enables the lining of the large bowel to be examined. Unlike x-rays which take photographs, colonoscopy allows direct visual examination of the interior of the bowel and, in most instances, can provide substantially more detail and accuracy than an x-ray. The procedure is performed with the patient asleep under the care of a specialist anaesthetist and may take in the order of 30 minutes.
Sometimes small samples (biopsies) are removed from the lining of the bowel so that they can be examined under a microscope to determine if there is any abnormality or pathology. In addition, if early growths called ?polyps? are present in the bowel, they will usually be removed at the time of colonoscopy. If this is not done there is a possibility the polyps can develop into bowel cancer. It is possible that removal of a polyp could be necessary at any colonoscopy as the need to do so cannot always be predicted.
What preparation is necessary?
For colonoscopy to be successful undertaken it is very important that the bowel is thoroughly emptied and clean. To do this a bowel preparation is used. Please note that this preparation is taken orally the day before colonoscopy or the same day as your examination if your procedure is in the afternoon, and can be obtained from your local pharmacy.
If you are not honest with yourself and do not follow preparation guidelines your bowel may not be totally clean, the colonoscopy might have to be postponed and the preparation would have to be repeated.
Please note: ONLY follow the instructions for the preparation as described by Dr. Braun – ignore all other instructions found within the product.
What about my normal medication?
You should have your normal medications at the normal time on the day of the examination. Iron should not be taken for four days prior to the procedure. The effect of the oral contraceptive pill may be lost because of the bowel preparation and colonoscopy and alternative contraception should be used for ten days.
If you are on blood thinning drugs then they will need to cease prior to the procedure. This should be discussed with the Dr. Braun?s office or your GP.
This list is an example of some of the medications need to be ceased well before your colonoscopy:
- Warfarin (Coumadin, Marevan),
- Clopidogrel (Iscover, Plavix).
- Some naturopathy medications (Gliko Bilba, garlic, St John’s Wort)
In some instances they need to be ceased up to 2 weeks prior to and should not be recommended for up to 2 weeks after a polypectomy procedure. All individual circumstances need to be discussed with Dr. Braun or your treating physician as well as your GP.
Are there complications?
The risk of complications from colonoscopy is small and is approximately 1:2000. The type of problem which can occur may include bleeding and/or damage from or to the wall of the bowel with or without polypectomy. It is possible that such a complication could require surgical treatment.
If you are intending travelling outside Australia within two weeks of a colonoscopy, which could involve a polypectomy or having rubber band ligation of haemorrhoids, then it should be done no closer than two (2) weeks prior to departure because of the small chance of late bleeding.
What is the follow up?
A report will be available to you as soon as you wake up from the anaesthetic in the recovery area. If polyps have been removed from the bowel then further check colonoscopies may be in order, and arrangements will need to be made in this regard. Your doctor will always receive a written report on the procedure. Sometimes a consultation will be necessary to discuss the findings of colonoscopy and any possible implications for treatment.
Special points for consideration
- Intravenous analgesia and sedation is administered by an anaesthetist so that you will be asleep and the procedure will be carried out without discomfort. Because of the sedation given, it is very important that you do not drive a car, travel on public transport alone, operate machinery, sign legal documents or drink alcohol on the same day as the test.
- Should you require a medical certificate please notify the rooms prior to the procedure.
Cleaning of endoscopes
The colonoscopy examination will be performed at Montserrat Day Hospital North Lakes.
Our Hospitals believe in delivering the highest quality care for patients in the safest manner. They use the National Health and Medical Research Council Guidelines for the prevention of transmission of infectious diseases as a reference for infection control.
Endoscopes have a dedicated patient use and there are different endoscopes for gastroscopy and colonoscopy.
After the procedure
As a result of the sedation administered after waking you will feel a little drowsy and may find your memory of the procedure is poor.
You will need to rest for an hour or two before you go home.
You may return to your normal diet as soon as you feel ready.
If you have any of the following symptoms in the hours or days after colonoscopy you should contact Dr. Braun or the hospital immediately:
- severe abdominal pain
- black tarry motions
- persistent bleeding from the back passage
- fever
- other symptoms that cause you concern.
To schedule a surgical consultation with Dr Braun, please email info@lapsurgerybrisbane.com.au or call direct on 07 3353 9694
