Colonoscopy is the most important screening and prevention method for colon and rectal tumors and for lower gastrointestinal bleeding (hemostasis). The procedure is indicated for diseases or suspected diseases of the lower gastrointestinal tract.
Although many people are concerned about colonoscopy, with proper planning, preparation and cooperation – even under anesthesia or sedation – the examination is the only suitable procedure to diagnose intestinal diseases, perform therapeutic interventions and prevent the development of tumors, says Dr. Pál Miheller, Professor at the Department of Surgery, Transplantation and Gastroenterology (STéG) of Semmelweis University.
A colonoscopy will be successful only if the bowel is properly purged, and certain dietary restrictions may be helpful. In most cases, preparation for the scan starts a few days ahead of the colonoscopy at home. One week before the intervention, you should no longer eat small-seeded foods (such as grapes, multigrain pastries, and poppy seeds) and foods that might stain the intestinal contents, such as tomatoes, beetroot, peppers, and chocolate. On the day before the screening, have a light breakfast (yoghurt and a slice of white bread, for example), and clear liquid for lunch. Skip dinner. On the day of the exam, drink only water until two hours before the start of the procedure. The day before the test, the colon should be purged with laxative tablets, suppositories, or colon cleansing.
A colonoscopy can be performed while the patient is awake, sedated, or under general anesthesia. A decision on which method is the most appropriate – taking into account the symptoms, medical history, and individual circumstances – can be made after a medical consultation,” notes Dr. Pál Miheller.
He adds that anesthesia and sedation can also affect circulation and breathing, so it should be used with even greater caution in patients with chronic cardiovascular or pulmonary disease and elderly patients.
During the examination, the doctor carefully inserts a small, flexible, high-resolution optical instrument (colonoscope) through the rectum and moves it into the colon while blowing air (carbon dioxide) and injecting water into the intestine to get a clear view of the lesions. During a colonoscopy, it is possible to remove benign tumors (polyps) and even early-stage malignant tumors. Targeted colonic sampling and histological examination of removed polyps will determine the further steps to be taken. The process of colonoscopy is completed only after the patient has discussed the results with their doctor.
It is recommended for patients over 50 to undergo a screening test even if they are free of symptoms.
Orsolya Dávid
Translation: Judit Szabados-Dőtsch
Photo by Attila Kovács – Semmelweis University; cover: Semmelweis Studio
