Colonoscopy, Here's What You Need to Know

Colonoscopy is a procedure performed to check the condition of the large intestine and the end of the large intestine (rectum) to detect abnormalities in the large intestine and rectum, such as swollen intestinal tissue, irritation, injury, polyps, or cancer. The colonoscopy procedure is carried out by an internist in a gastrointestinal consultant using a colonoscope, which is a flexible tube of approximately 1.5 cm in diameter and is equipped with a camera. The time needed for this examination is around 30-60 minutes preceded by administration of the drug to the patient. In the process of action, the doctor can take tissue samples from the large intestine to be examined under a microscope (biopsy).

Indications and contraindications for colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is done to investigate the causes of symptoms that occur in the large intestine, such as bloody bowel movements, chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In addition, colonoscopy can also be done to detect the presence of colon cancer. This detection is recommended for people who are over 50 years old, even though they do not have other risk factors besides age. For someone who has a family history of colon cancer or intestinal polyps, and is diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, the examination can be done at a younger age. Tests for the detection of colon cancer can be repeated every 10 years or earlier, depending on risk factors and the results of previous colonoscopy. In addition to detecting colon cancer, colonoscopy can also be done to detect and cut intestinal polyps, and stop bleeding if bleeding occurs in the large intestine. Colonoscopy during pregnancy should be avoided, because it can lead to miscarriage, unless a colonoscopy is needed to save lives. Colonoscopy in patients with megacolon, as well as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease with severe injuries can also increase the risk of bowel tears.

Colonoscopy Warning

Before doing a colonoscopy, the doctor will check the patient's health condition. Inform your doctor if you suffer from heart disease or lung disease, have diabetes, and have an allergy to certain medications. Also, tell your doctor if you are taking blood-thinning medication. The doctor may temporarily stop taking these drugs, especially if a biopsy is planned. Also inform your doctor if you are taking iron supplements.

Before a colonoscopy

Colonoscopy examination can work well if the intestinal wall can be seen clearly and clearly. For this reason, it is necessary to ensure that the condition of the intestine is clear of feces (stool) which can interfere with the view during colonoscopy. Some ways that are done to clean the intestines, including:

• Take laxatives in the form of pills or liquids. Laxatives are consumed the night before the colonoscopy or are added in the morning on the day of the action.
• Carry out a special diet by avoiding solid foods and only drinking water the day before a colonoscopy, and fasting after midnight on the day of the colonoscopy.

Patients must ensure that someone is accompanied or accompanied during the procedure, because after the action the patient is still under the influence of anesthesia or sedatives so it is not safe to drive alone.

Colonoscopy Procedure

The implementation of a colonoscopy begins with the administration of anesthesia or anesthesia to the patient through a vein. This anesthetic will make the patient calm and sometimes sleepy. Next, the patient will be laid in a side-facing position and knees raised to the chest. The examination is then carried out with a colonoscope, in the form of a flexible tube of approximately 1.5 cm in diameter which is equipped with a camera to see the condition of the large intestine. The device is inserted through the rectum to the large intestine. At this stage, air is used to develop the intestine so that the intestinal wall can be seen clearly. The patient will feel a little cramping in the abdomen, but can be relieved by taking a deep breath. When carrying out a colonoscopy, the doctor can also take tissue samples from the intestine for further analysis (biopsy). The colonoscopy lasts for 30 minutes to an hour.

After Colonoscopy

After the implementation of the colonoscopy procedure, the patient must remain in the hospital for 1-2 hours or until the effect of anesthesia is reduced. At this stage, the patient may feel a little cramping in the abdomen and bloating, but will subside on its own. After recovering, the patient can go home. Patients are not allowed to do work that requires concentration such as driving for 24 hours after the procedure. Patients can return to eating and drinking as usual immediately after the action and can carry out activities after resting for one day after colonoscopy. If the colonoscopy procedure is followed by removal of polyps or tissue biopsy, then the patient may experience rectal bleeding for one to two days after colonoscopy. The patient will be made an appointment again by the doctor within a few days to discuss the results of the colonoscopy, and tissue biopsy if done. If the quality of the examination results is doubtful, then the doctor can recommend a repeat colonoscopy examination.

Colonoscopy Complications

Colonoscopy is a safe procedure and rarely causes complications. However, complications that may occur due to colonoscopy include:

• The wall of the large intestine is torn.
• Allergic reactions and side effects of the anesthetic.
• Abdominal pain is severe.