Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a procedure used to detect inflamed tissue, ulcers, and abnormal growths.
The procedure is used to diagnose unexplained changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bleeding from the anus, and weight loss, which can be an indicator of many illnesses and diseases. You will either have a full colonoscopy or left-sided colonoscopy.
Full Colonoscopy
A full colonoscopy is a visual examination of the lining of your bowel. It is performed by passing a small flexible tube through the rectum into the colon, which has a camera and a light on the tip, used to look at the area being examined. To allow a clear view during the examination, your colon (bowel) must be empty. You will be given instructions about taking laxative solutions/preparation(s) to clear the bowel, in advance of the test.
The test itself varies in length lasting from 15-60minutes. However you can expect to be in the department for a couple of hours, as you will have sedation.
The Procedure
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You will receive sedation for the procedure. Your must not travel home unaccompanied or drive
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You will lie on your left side and an examination of your rectum will be carried out
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The tube will be passed through the rectum into the colon
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During the test air will be passed into your colon to inflate the area to give a better view of the area being examined
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If necessary the doctor may take a small piece of tissue for biopsy
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You may feel some abdominal (stomach) cramps and some pressure from the tube. This is normal and will pass quickly
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A nurse will stay with you throughout the examination
Full Colonoscopy – Patient Information Leaflet (PDF)
Left Sided Colonoscopy
A left sided colonoscopy is a visual examination of the inside of the rectum (back passage) and sigmoid colon (bowel). It is performed by passing a small flexible tube through the rectum into the lower left side of the colon.
To allow a clear view of your colon, it must be empty. To enable this you will be given a small enema prior to the examination. You do not need to fast for this procedure. The test itself is quite short, lasting approximately 5-10 minutes. However you can expect to be in the department for a couple of hours – this depends on the whether or not you have sedation.
The Procedure
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This test is not normally performed under sedation but in some cases it may be required
-
You will lie on your left side and an examination of your rectum (back passage) will be carried out
-
The tube will be passed through the rectum into the colon (bowel)
-
During the test air will be passed into your colon to inflate the area to give a better view of the area being examined
-
If necessary the doctor may take a small piece of tissue for biopsy
-
You may feel some abdominal (stomach) cramps and some pressure from the tube. This is normal and will pass quickly
-
A nurse will stay with you throughout the examination
