Colonoscopy Test Centre in Broadway

A colonoscopy allows a doctor, usually a gastroenterologist, to visually inspect and photograph the entire colon. This procedure is crucial for diagnosing and evaluating various gastrointestinal conditions such as diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease, colon polyps, colon cancer, bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, obstructions, and abnormal x-rays or CT scans. It is also valuable for providing treatment, including the removal of polyps or controlling bleeding, and is commonly used for colon cancer screening. One of the primary benefits of a colonoscopy is its ability to both identify and treat abnormal findings in a single examination, including the removal of precancerous polyps.
 

The following illnesses or diseases might be identified during a Colonoscopy:

• Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• Ischemic colitis and intestinal ischemia
• Diverticulitis as well as diverticulosis
• Wounds and ulcers
• Large blockages in the bowels
• Colorectal cancer and polyps
   

Several types of endoscopy are used to examine the gastrointestinal tract such as,

Sigmoidoscopy: It is a minimally invasive examination of the large intestine through the anus, with two types: flexible and rigid. It is used to detect and treat conditions like rectal bleeding, polyps, fissures, foreign bodies, and colorectal cancer. 
Upper endoscopy: It examines the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract, including the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It is often conducted under sedation to ensure patient comfort and can also be used for biopsies and cytology tests.
Colonoscopy: It examines the lining of the large intestine, small intestine, and rectum for signs of damaged or potentially cancerous tissues. 
Enteroscopy: It is primarily used to identify the source of intestinal bleeding, with procedures like capsule endoscopy. 
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): This is a flexible endoscope used to see the lining of the stomach, small intestine, colon, or oesophagus. 
 

A Colonoscopy is recommended for various individuals based on age, symptoms, and risk factors. 

• Adults aged 45 and older
• People with symptoms of gastrointestinal issues
• Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Those with certain genetic conditions
• People who have a family history of polyps or colon cancer

The following symptoms might need a colonoscopy:

• Sudden bleeding or discharge from the rectum
• Unexplained changes in your digestive system, such as incontinence, constipation, or diarrhoea.
• Persistent stomach ache
• Unexpected weight reduction in kids or no increase in their weight at all
   

The indications for endoscopy during pregnancy include,

• Prolonged or severe gastrointestinal bleeding
• Severe vomiting and nausea or refractory stomach pain
• Difficulty in swallowing or painful swallowing
• Doctors suspect a mass in the colon
• Severe diarrhoea 
• Obstruction in the pancreatic duct due to gallstones
• Damage to the pancreatic or biliary ducts
   

One advantage of endoscopic treatments, such as colonoscopies, is that your endoscopist may be able to cure any issues they discover while doing the process. Using specialised instruments that they pass via the endoscope, endoscopists are trained to carry out simple operations. Any polyps (abnormal growths) discovered during a colonoscopy are typically removed, and their cancerous nature is examined. Additionally, polyp removal stops potential cancer from forming or proliferating.

The endoscopist doing your colonoscopy may,

• Get rid of the polyps (polypectomy)
• Cover the wounds
• Administer drugs via injection
• Eliminate obstructions
• Put stents in place
• Utilise laser treatment to treat tissues
   

To ensure the health of the mother and foetus, several safety guidelines are followed while performing endoscopy during pregnancy which include,

• Endoscopy is only performed when the woman possesses a solid indication
• Endoscopy is ideally done in the second trimester of pregnancy because the first trimester carries higher risks of birth defects, and the third trimester has an increased risk of premature labor.
• Whenever possible, use of sedative medications at their lowest effective dose
• The duration of the procedure is reduced
• In order to prevent compression of the heart, pregnant women are positioned on a left lateral or pelvic tilt.
• Checking the existence of foetal heart sounds is done both before and after the endoscopic surgery.
• If a pregnancy-related issue arises, obstetric help is always accessible.
• When there are obstetric difficulties including placental abruption, premature birth, ruptured membranes, etc endoscopy is not performed.
   

Following are the usual pre-op instructions before a colonoscopy:

• A clear liquid diet should be consumed the day before the surgery. This includes consuming clear liquids such as water, broth, apple juice, and gelatin. Avoid red or purple liquids, as well as dairy products.
• Discuss with your doctor which medications you should continue taking and which ones you may need to stop or adjust before the procedure. This includes blood thinners and certain supplements.
• Take a bowel preparation solution as prescribed by your doctor to cleanse your colon thoroughly. This often involves drinking a solution or taking laxatives to clear your bowels.
• Inform your doctor about any medical conditions you have, previous surgeries, allergies, and current medications. This includes over-the-counter medications and supplements.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing to the appointment.
   

It normally takes an hour to do an endoscopy, so there is no need for an overnight hospital stay. The physician will give instructions on how to get ready for the surgery. The patient must fast for around 12 hours depending on several types of endoscopies, while the exact duration varies. It is possible to take laxatives the night before to empty the system for operations involving the gastrointestinal tract. Mentioning any past operations and all current drugs, including supplements, is crucial.
 

During a colonoscopy:

• You'll change into a hospital gown and lie on your side on a comfortable table. An IV line will be placed in your arm for medication.
• You'll receive sedatives to help you relax and possibly nap during the procedure. This helps minimise any discomfort.
• The doctor gently inserts a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera into your rectum and slowly moves it through your colon.
• The camera sends images to a monitor, allowing the doctor to examine the colon lining closely. Some air may be used to expand the colon for better visibility.
• If needed, the doctor can take small tissue samples (biopsies) or remove polyps using tools passed through the colonoscope.
• After checking the entire colon, the colonoscope is carefully withdrawn. The process typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes.
• You'll rest in a recovery area until the sedation wears off. You might feel some bloating or mild cramping from the air used during the exam.
• The doctor will talk with you about the initial findings once you're awake. If biopsies were taken or polyps removed, you may need to wait for results to plan any follow-up care.
   

Your health will be observed by your care team. The anaesthesia will probably make you feel sleepy, but most patients return home the same day as their treatment. It could be necessary for you to relax for the remainder of the day and refrain from operating heavy equipment. Depending on the endoscopic operation, find out from your healthcare professional what to expect during the recuperation period.

The first hour following your surgery will be spent in the medical centre getting better. This will allow ample time for you to recuperate from the anaesthesia. Your medical team will keep an eye on your vital signs and look for any indications of a problem. Your gastroenterologist will discuss the results of the checkup and any treatments they carried out with you when you are conscious. An official report will also be sent to you electronically or via mail. Results for any tests that required a tissue sample for the biopsy will be sent to you a little later.

Yes, take your ongoing medications with a small sip of water. Essential medicines such as blood pressure, diabetes or anaemia should be taken before the test with a small quantity of water. If you are experiencing any additional issues such as dizziness or pain, inform your doctor about it and take the medicines according to their advice. 
 

Yes, take any essential drugs with sips of water the morning of the test, including any for your heart, blood pressure, breathing, or seizures.
It is advised that you only use non-essential drugs, such as vitamins and over-the-counter, non-prescription pharmaceuticals when prescribed by a doctor or nurse. Always consult your doctor for specific guidance on managing your medications before your colonoscopy to ensure you are properly prepared.
 

Pregnancy endoscopy carries a number of possible dangers, including

• The possibility of foetal hypoxia, maternal hypotension, and oversedation.
• Radiation, medicines that may be teratogenic (may enter the brain of the fetus causing severe adverse events).
• The risk of preterm delivery. 
• The inferior vena cava may be compressed by the uterus of the pregnant woman, resulting in reduced uterine blood flow and hypoxia in the foetus. 

Considering all these possibilities, recommendations for endoscopy in pregnant women are strictly followed in Manipal Hospitals.
 

Although there are several risk factors associated with endoscopy in pregnancy, it also has certain benefits such as,

• Detection of GI issues in early pregnancy is helpful in treating these ailments at an early stage and avoiding complications in the later stages of pregnancy.
• With minimally invasive techniques, minor issues in the GI tract can be fixed without performing major surgical procedures that ensure easy recovery and long-term benefit for both mother and foetus.
• Endoscopy during pregnancy is also helpful for the precise and timely prognosis of foetal health
   

A conventional colonoscopy has the following benefits:
Higher Accuracy: It is highly effective in detecting early signs of cancer and other abnormalities in the colon, which improves the chances of early treatment and better outcomes.
Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment: Unlike some other tests, a colonoscopy allows for both diagnosis and immediate treatment. If abnormalities like polyps are found, they can be removed or biopsied during the procedure.
Long Screening Interval: If your colonoscopy results are normal, it is typically recommended only once every ten years, reducing the frequency of screenings compared to other methods.

Although dangers and complications are rare, some of them include:

• Damage to your colon wall, like a rip
• Excessive bleeding as a result of tissue excision
• Infection that calls for medication
• Unusual responses to the anaesthetic