Colonoscopy is a test that shows the mucus of the large intestine, being especially indicated to identify the presence of polyps, intestinal cancer or other types of alterations in the intestine, such as colitis, varicose veins or diverticular disease.
This may be indicated when the person has symptoms that may suggest bowel changes, such as bleeding or persistent diarrhea, but it is also necessary to do so on a regular basis for colon cancer monitoring in people up to 50 years of age. if there is a greater risk of developing it. See the symptoms of cancer in your intestine and when to see your doctor.
- A colonoscopy requires special preparation.
- With dietary adjustments and the use of laxatives.
- For the intestine to be clean and changes to be seen.
- Usually the test does not cause pain.
- I can perform it under general anesthesia.
- However.
- Some people may feel some discomfort.
- Putting pressure on the abdomen during the procedure.
Some of the main indications for colonoscopy include
During colonoscopy it is also possible to perform procedures such as a biopsy or even the removal of polyps, in addition, the test could be indicated as a therapeutic method, as it also allows the cauterization of blood vessels that may bleed from decompression. Of the intestinal valve Find out what the intestinal valve is and how to treat this dangerous complication.
In order for the doctor to be able to perform the colonoscopy and visualize the changes, it is necessary that the colon be completely clean, that he decides, without any waste of food or food, and for which there must be a special preparation before the examination, which will be indicated by the doctor or clinic that will perform the examination.
Ideally, the preparation is indicated at least 2 days before the scan, from which the patient should change the diet and eat easily digestible foods, based on bread, rice and white paste, liquids, juices without pulp, meat, fish, boiled eggs and yogurt without fruit or pieces of fruit, avoiding milk, nuts, vegetables, legumes and cereals.
In the 24 hours prior to the scan, a liquid diet is indicated to prevent residues in the large intestine, it is also recommended to use laxatives, to drink a solution based on mannitol, a type of sugar that helps cleanse the intestine. , to wash the intestine, which is done according to the doctor’s instructions. In more detail, it must be the schema.
In addition, some of the medicines used may require a pre-examination suspension in the form of EA, anticoagulants, metformin, or insulin, for example, as recommended by your doctor. It is also necessary to accompany the test, as sedation may leave the person in a state of drowsiness, as indicated to perform the work after the test.
Colonoscopy is performed with the introduction of a small tube throughout the year, usually under anesthesia for the patient’s comfort, this tube has a chamber that allows to visualize the intestinal lining and, during the scan, small areas of air are injected into the intestine to improve visualization.
Usually, the patient sits on one side, the doctor inserts the coloscope tube within a year, so the patient can feel an increase in abdominal pressure.
Colonoscopy will last 20 to 60 minutes. After the patient’s examination, you should remain in recovery for approximately 2 hours before returning home.
Virtual colonoscopy uses CT scans to obtain images of the intestine, without the need for a camera coloscope to capture images, during the exam a tube is inserted throughout the year that injects air into the intestine, making it easier to observe indoors and any modifications.
Virtual colonoscopy has some limitations, as it is difficult to identify small polyps and the inability to biopsy, so it is not a faithful substitute for traditional colonoscopy. Learn more about this procedure at: Virtual Colonoscopy.