What Happens During a Colonoscopy?

The colonoscopy process involves examining the colon and rectum using a camera. Colonoscopies help detect polyps that could become cancerous if untreated. Pre-procedure instructions help prepare the digestive system. Here is what happens during the procedure:

1. Pre-Procedure Consultation

Before the procedure, a gastroenterologist reviews your medical history and current medications. This helps the doctor determine anesthesia dosage and any adjustments needed, like pausing prescriptions in the days leading up to your colonoscopy. Patients also learn the dietary restrictions and fasting guidelines required before the procedure. 

Understanding the procedure enables patients to make decisions. During the pre-procedure consultation, the physician also addresses any questions or concerns.

2. Colon Cleansing

Patients are usually required to cleanse their bowels before the procedure. Doctors provide instructions on using laxatives and consuming liquid diets to clear residue from the colon walls. Guidelines explain how to take each laxative dose and give a list of approved foods and beverages during cleansing. This cleanse lets doctors see the mucosal lining clearly, preventing abnormal tissue from remaining hidden. Nurses check on patient progress and can provide tips for preparation.

3. Anesthesia Administration

On procedure day, the medical team inserts an intravenous (IV) line to administer anesthesia. Sedation keeps patients relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure. Monitoring vital signs like heart rate and oxygen levels helps keep the patient comfortable. Your doctor may talk to you in a pre-procedure brief.

4. Insertion and Navigation

The gastroenterologist performs the colonoscopy by inserting a scope into the rectum and advancing it through the colon. The camera mounted on the flexible tube displays real-time video of the mucosa on a monitor. Airflow expands the colon walls for close inspection of its surfaces. The physician can angle the scope to navigate turns in the bowel. A visual colon inspection helps doctors identify areas needing biopsy or polyp removal.

5. Polyp Removal

When doctors detect polyps, they pass tools through the channel built into the scope tube to remove them. Snaring and cutting instruments extract polyps so they can be sent for biopsy. The physician takes multiple samples for lab analysis to check for precancerous or cancerous cells. 

Comprehensive removal helps prevent future colon cancer. The doctor burns off any remaining polyp tissue using the scope’s controls to minimize the number of potentially cancerous cells left inside the body. 

6. Post-Procedural Monitoring

During the recovery period following the procedure, patients rest under nurse monitoring as the sedation wears off. Staff track vital signs and provide juice or snacks to restore patients from hours of fasting. After recovery, the doctor meets with you to discuss findings like polyps, biopsies taken, and the next treatment or prevention steps. An advice nurse hotline may also offer support for home-based recovery.

Know What Happens During a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy visualizes the colon and rectum’s surfaces through procedural steps. Pre-screening consultations, bowel preparation, and anesthesia prepare patients for the examination. Organize a designated driver for the day of the procedure since many doctors ask that patients not drive themselves home. Schedule a colon examination today.