Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a procedure in which your doctor examines the entire length of your colon, also referred to as the large intestine. This involves the use of a lengthy and flexible instrument called a colonoscope, which is equipped with a light source and a miniature camera at one end. The colonoscope is inserted into your rectum and carefully manoeuvred through your colon, allowing for a thorough assessment of its inner lining. This procedure enables your doctor to visually inspect for any abnormalities, lesions, or signs of disease throughout your colon.
At Apollo Hospital in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, our skilled gastroenterologists ensure a safe and thorough colonoscopy experience for every patient. With extensive training and unparalleled expertise, our specialists maintain exemplary safety records and consistently achieve impressive success rates. This strengthens our hospital’s reputation as the premier destination for colonoscopy procedures in Hyderabad.
Conditions That Can Be Diagnosed With Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a valuable tool for your provider to detect various colon problems, including early signs of cancer, inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding. It is also utilised for cancer screening in individuals without symptoms and for post-cancer treatment follow-ups.
Additionally, colonoscopy is effective in diagnosing and treating issues like colon polyps, tumours, ulcerations, inflammation, diverticula, strictures, and other abnormalities. It can also help identify the cause of persistent diarrhoea or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
When other tests indicate the need for further evaluation, colonoscopy may be recommended. These tests might include barium enema, CT colonography, stool tests, or sigmoidoscopy.
What Happens In Colonoscopy?
In colonoscopy procedure:
- An IV line is inserted into your arm or hand to give you sedation or pain medicine.
- You will receive oxygen to breathe, and your vital signs will be monitored.
- You will lie on your left side with your knees up.
- A lubricated tube is inserted into your anus and moved through your rectum and colon. You might feel mild discomfort, but sedation helps.
- Depending on the anaesthesia, you might be asleep or awake. If awake, you will be asked to take slow breaths to relax your muscles.
- Air may be pumped into your bowel to improve visibility. Water might be used to clean your colon lining, and a suction device might remove any liquid stool.
- The doctor checks your colon and may take photos or remove polyps.
- Afterward, the tube is removed.
Pre-Operative Care For Colonoscopy:
- You will need to remove any jewellery or objects that could interfere.
- You might change into a hospital gown.
- Before your colonoscopy, your doctor will thoroughly explain the procedure and address any questions you have. You will need to sign a consent form after carefully reading it.
- Regarding dietary instructions, you will likely be instructed not to eat or drink for a specific period before the procedure, often from midnight onwards. Your doctor may also give you specific dietary guidelines to follow for one or two days prior. It is crucial to adhere to these instructions to ensure the test’s effectiveness and avoid cancellation.
- Before the colonoscopy, inform your doctor if you have any allergies, take any medications (including over-the-counter drugs and supplements), have a history of bleeding disorders, or if you are pregnant or suspect you might be.
- Your doctor will give you instructions on bowel preparation, which may involve taking a laxative, using an enema or rectal laxative suppository, or drinking a special fluid to cleanse your colon.
Post-Operative Care For Colonoscopy:
- Following the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room for monitoring. Your recovery will depend on the type of sedation used. Once your vital signs are stable and you are awake, you will either be transferred to a hospital room or discharged home.
- You can typically eat as tolerated after the procedure, starting with small, bland meals. It is common to experience gas pains and flatulence afterward. Walking and movement can help alleviate mild discomfort.
- Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours and stay hydrated to replenish fluids lost during preparation.
- Notify your doctor if you experience fever, chills, frequent bloody stools, abdominal pain or swelling, a hard abdomen, or difficulty passing gas.
Benefits of Colonoscopy:
- Detects colon cancer early, improving chances of successful treatment.
- Removes precancerous polyps, lowering future colon cancer risk.
- Provides a detailed view for precise diagnosis and treatment.
- Early detection lowers the risk of death from colon cancer.
- Identifies inflammation or infection, preventing other illnesses.
- Saves money by preventing expensive treatments later.
- Helps diagnose underlying issues, improving symptom management.
- Early detection enhances quality of life and reduces complications.
Morning 
afternoon 
evening 