Colonoscopy Procedure Specialist Q&A

The colonoscopy screening is performed to detect cancer, polyps, and irritated or swollen tissues in the colon and rectum. During a colonoscopy, a flexible tube is inserted into the rectum with a small video camera attached so that the doctor can see the inside of the colon. Abnormal tissue can be removed during a colonoscopy if necessary. A colonoscopy may also involve taking and examining tissue samples.

Colonoscopies are recommended by doctors for a variety of reasons. Intestinal symptoms and signs may be examined in response to chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal pain, or other intestinal symptoms. Sometimes it is used as a screening tool for colon cancer. Cancer risk factors determine how frequently colon cancer scans are performed. To mitigate the risk of colon cancer, a doctor may also check for polyps.  Colonoscopies are used to treat tissue, remove objects from the colon, or place stents. Regular colonoscopy screening can be used as a preventative measure, to diagnose an illness or condition, or even to treat it.

As you clear the air from your colon, you may feel bloated or pass gas for a few hours after the exam. Any discomfort may be relieved by walking. As soon as you release the air, the feeling should subside. Within 30 minutes to an hour, you should feel back to normal in this regard.

Your first bowel movement after the exam may also contain a small amount of blood. This is normally not a cause for concern; case of persistent abdominal pain or fever, or if you continue to pass blood or blood clots, talk to your doctor. This may happen within the first few days right after the procedure but could, however, take up to two weeks.

To allow your intestines to heal after a biopsy or polyp removal, your doctor may recommend a special diet for a day or two. What you can and cannot eat and drink will be discussed with you by your doctor.

It may take a couple of days for you to have a bowel movement after the procedure. You may notice a bit of blood during your first bowel movement. That isn’t cause for concern. You should contact your doctor if you pass large clumps of blood, if the bleeding seems significant, or if it lasts more than a day. In addition, you should see your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, dizziness, or a fever over 100 degrees.

A colonoscopy is usually painless and can save your life, and most people feel back to normal quickly. Talk to your doctor today about when you should schedule yours if you are older than 45 or have a family history of colorectal cancer.

The sedative takes about an hour to wear off after the exam. The full effects of the sedative can take up to a day to wear off, so you’ll need someone to drive you home. Avoid driving, operating machinery, and work for the rest of the day.

Colonoscopy screening for cancer is recommended for individuals 45 or older by the American Cancer Society. A person’s health risk will determine how frequently these screenings should be conducted.

Colonoscopy screening may be recommended more often for patients at higher risk of colon cancer. There are several possible causes of colon cancer, including having a sibling, parent, or child who has had colon cancer, having precancerous polyps or colon cancer, having inflammatory bowel disease, or carrying a colon cancer syndrome gene.

In order to determine what frequency of colonoscopies is appropriate for them and to discuss any concerns they may have about colon cancer risk factors; patients should speak to their healthcare provider. We serve patients from Kissimmee FL, Orlando FL, St. Cloud FL, Meadow Woods FL, Buenaventura Lakes FL, Williamsburg FL, Celebration FL, and Hunters Creek FL.