A close up of someone handling colonoscopy equipment Endoscopy
Colonoscopy
Why is a colonoscopy performed?

Your doctor may recommend you have a colonoscopy if you have any of the following problems:

  • Unexplained anaemia, iron deficiency
  • Bleeding from the bowel
  • A change in bowel habit
  • Diarrhoea or constipation
  • Abdominal pain
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis
    or Crohn’s disease)
  • Previous polyps or bowel cancer
  • Family history of bowel cancer

A colonoscopy can also be performed to screen for colorectal cancer.

A colonoscopy is a procedure done under sedation which allows your specialist to see inside your large bowel (colon) and examine the lining of the large bowel directly. This is performed using a narrow flexible tube called a colonoscope which has a light source and camera in the tip that captures images of the inner lining of your bowel. The colonoscope is placed into your anus (bottom) and the doctor slowly advances around the large bowel while viewing the images on a video screen
What is the preparation for a colonoscopy?

It is important that the bowel is completely empty for the procedure to be accurate, thorough and safe . The colonoscopy preparation will involve making changes to your diet for 2 days before the procedure. The bowel preparation (laxative) will begin in the afternoon the day prior to the colonoscopy. It is important to drink plenty of clear liquids such as juices and broths during the preparation to avoid dehydration. Specific written instructions on how to cleanse your colon will be given to you by the Cambridge Specialist Centre.

Inform your specialist prior to the colonoscopy if you have any of the following:

  • Allergy to any medication or anaesthetic
  • Diabetes
  • Heart or lung problems including pacemakers and artificial heart valves
  • Artificial joint replacements
  • Are pregnant or breast-feeding
  • Take blood-thinning medications (these may need to be stopped prior to the procedure)
  • Take iron supplements (these need to stop one week before the colonoscopy). Iron can produce black stool which can coat the lining of the bowel, reducing visibility.
  • Unless otherwise instructed, continue taking any regularly prescribed medication.

What happens on the day of your colonoscopy?

After arrival to the Cambridge Specialist Centre you will be admitted by a nurse who will check your medical history and ask questions regarding your bowel preparation. You will see the specialist performing the procedure and a consent form will be discussed and signed. You will then be asked to change into a hospital gown.

The colonoscopy will be performed in a fully equipped examination room in our endoscopy suite. In the examination room intravenous medication (a sedative and pain medication) is usually given. Most patients fall asleep during the procedure and the majority of patients only report slight discomfort. You will be assisted and observed by two endoscopy nurses throughout the procedure and your heart rate and oxygen levels will be monitored. In most instances you will be lying on your left side with your knees drawn up toward the chest. Your specialist will insert the colonoscope through the anus and gently advance to the end of your small bowel (ileum). Carbon dioxide is used to inflate the bowel to provide better views. You may experience a sensation of fullness, bloating, pressure or cramping as the scope moves inside.

As the instrument is withdrawn, a careful examination is made of the lining of the colon. Tissue samples may be taken with tiny biopsy forceps inserted through the scope. Polyps may be removed with snares, and photographs may be taken. The procedure generally takes about 30 minutes but could be longer particularly if you require any endoscopic treatment during the test.

What happens after a colonoscopy?

After your colonoscopy you will be wheeled into the recovery room where you will rest to allow the sedation to wear off. If you have received intravenous sedation you will be required to be in the recovery room for at least one hour after the procedure.

When you wake up your specialist will discuss your examination results with you and a written summary will be given to you for your reference.

A light snack will be served before you leave the Cambridge Specialist Centre. You are able to return to your normal diet following discharge.

If you have received sedation you must have someone to take you home after the test and stay with you, as you will be drowsy. This generally wears off after a few hours.

You will not be allowed to drive a car, operate machinery or make any important decisions for 24 hours as your judgement and reflexes may be impaired.

The sedation may also affect your ability to recollect details of the colonoscopy. You should stay off work the day of your procedure but can resume normal activities the following day.

Results

Colonoscopy findings may include the following

  • Inflammation and ulceration
  • Cancer / tumour
  • Polyps. These are small growths on the inner lining of the bowel. Most polyps are benign (not cancerous), but some polyps are precancerous.
  • Diverticulosis (abnormal ‘pouches’ in the lining of the intestine)
  • Lower gastrointestinal bleeding

Any tissue samples are sent to the pathology department for examination under a microscope. These results will be sent to your specialist and GP within 5-7 days.

A typed report of your procedure will also be sent to your GP. You may be asked to make a follow-up appointment with your specialist to discuss your results.

Safety and Risks

A colonoscopy is generally a very safe and simple test. Complications are rare but may include:

  • Perforation (tearing) of the bowel wall, which may require a repair
    operation (fewer than 1 out of 1,000 tests).
  • Heavy or persistent bleeding from biopsy or polyp-removal sites (1 out
    of 1,000 tests).
  • Adverse reaction to sedative medication, causing breathing problems or low blood pressure (4 out of 10,000 tests).
  • Missed polyps or lesions in the bowel.
  • Nausea, vomiting, bloating or anal irritation.

Contact Us

Booking a consultation

Get in touch today with one of our team and we’ll arrange a time that suits you to see one of our specialists.