What does Colonoscopy examine?

Answer 1

A Colonoscopy is used to visually examine your entire colon and rectum for abnormalities.

For the exam, a colonoscope which is a long, flexible tube about the thickness of a finger is inserted into your rectum. A tiny video camera and light at its tip allows your doctor to view the inside of your colon. The pictures come up on a video screen the doctor watches as he/she moves the tube to where the suspected problem is. Both air and water can be added through the tube by the doctor to inflate and wash the area to get a better picture.

A colonoscopy can be relatively painless but anxiety often dictates the use of a mild sedative during the procedure.

A gastroenterologist most often performs the exam.

Answer 2

I had my first colonoscopy today. The worst part is the prep. I added a whole package (enough for 2 quarts) of Wyler's sugar free lemonade to the mixture. I don't know how you would swallow that salty swill without doing that! Also, wear something loose fitting, like a housecoat or robe with nothing underneath to make it easier to get to the bathroom - which you need to do FAST. I sat in the kitchen, 10 feet away from the nearest bathroom. Have lots of reading material waiting for you in the bathroom.

Some doctors will prescribe laxatives in the form of pills rather than the large gallon or so solution to drink. Pills are more convenient, but you will be going to the bathroom a lot once the laxatives kick in. That is the point--to clear your colon and intestines so that the camera on can get a clean view and identify any potential cancerous growth or benign polyps. Don't worry too much about the prep, the stool may be loose and watery, but it won't sting like diarrhea.

Answer 3

The test is frequently used to look for colorectal cancer, especially when polyps or tumor-like growths have been detected by a barium enema examination and other diagnostic imaging tests.

It allows a doctor to look inside the entire large intestine. The procedure enables the physician to see things such as inflamed tissue, abnormal growths, and ulcers and commonly used to look for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum. It is also used to look for causes of unexplained changes in bowel habits and to evaluate symptoms like abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and weight loss.

Answer 4

First of all, you will be given a sedative to make you relax. The doctor will the ask you to lie on your left side and insert a colonoscope through the rectum. The colonoscope is about 1/2 inch in diameter and is basically a small camera that transmits images of the lining of the colon so the doctor can check for abnormalities. It will also blow air into the colon so the doctor can see better.

Answer 5

Colonics are used to cleanse the lower intestines

Answer 6

A colonoscopy is generally recommended when the patient complains of rectal bleeding or has a change in bowel habits and other unexplained abdominal symptoms.

Answer 7

Colonoscopy examines the entire large intestine

Answer 8

A colonoscopy examines the colon with a colonscope. These are normally performed due to rectal bleeding and irregularity in bowel movements. It is also used to monitor colon cancer.