Examination of the colon

Colonoscopy is performed to reveal if there are any medical or surgical conditions in the rectum and large bowel such as inflammatory bowel disease, polyps, pouches (diverticula), strictures or cancer.

The examination is performed through the anus with an endoscope, a flexible and steerable instrument, through which the inside of the rectum and large bowel are inspected. Inserting instruments through the endoscope makes removal of polyps, tissue sampling and photographing possible.

Before the examination

If you suffer from other diseases, especially heart, lung and kidney diseases, you must inform prior to examination.

Three days before examination the preparations begin, in that regard you must not consume bread with whole grains, apples, oranges, sesame seeds, linseed and other foods that are difficult to digest. The day before examination, you may only consume clear liquids (water, clear broth, apple juice, lemonade, soda, beer) and no dairy products.

We will provide the cleansing agent or sent a requisition for it. You can get the cleansing agent for free, upon representation of the requisition, at the nearest pharmacy a few days before the examination. We will also provide you with a detailed cleansing instruction.

Generally, a mild sedative/ anesthetic injection is recommended for the examination. If you accept the sedation during examination, you must previously have planned the transport home after surgery (pick-up by relatives, taxi or other). You are not allowed to drive for 6 hours following sedation.

Examination

The examination is performed lying on the left side. The endoscope enters the large bowel through the anus. During the examination it may be necessary to change position and to apply a gentle pressure to the abdomen to facilitate insertion of the tube.

The examination lasts between 15 to 30 minutes.

The air that is necessary to blow into the bowel might cause patients to experience some discomfort in the stomach (pressure and tightness). In the end, the air is drawn out again.

As mentioned, to minimize discomfort and ease the examination, we recommend an injection with a small amount of anesthesia and sedatives, prior to examination.

After examination

You get the result of the examination immediately. The result of the examination is also sent to your general practitioner within 24 hours. The result of tissue samples is available after 1 week and will preferably be e-mailed to you.

You can eat and drink normally immediately after examination.

Risk of examination

Risk of complications during colonoscopy occurs mainly in relation to removal of polyps and consists of bleeding or perforation (hole in the intestine). The risk is about. 1 in 2000 colonoscopies and may result in urgent hospitalization and operation.