What is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy (lower GI endoscopy) is a direct examination of the colon (large intestine) using an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube about the diameter of the little finger). 

Why Do I Need It?
A colonoscopy is usually done to help your doctor evaluate and treat your lower GI symptoms, such as lower abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, rectal bleeding or anemia.  It is also performed on healthy people with no symptoms as a screening tool for colon cancer.  Colonoscopy is more accurate than x-rays for detecting bleeding in the lower GI tract, polyps and tumors.  Some conditions can be treated during the procedure by passing small instruments through the endoscope.  For example:  biopsies can be taken, polyps removed and treatment of lower GI bleeding can be given. These treatments usually painless. 

What are Polyps?
Polyps are abnormal growths on the lining of the colon.  The large majority of polyps are not cancerous but some types of polyps have the potential to turn into cancer with time.  Polyps can also bleed.  For these reasons, most polyps are removed during colonoscopy and sent to the laboratory for a microscopic examination.

What Are the Risks?
While any medical procedure has risks, a colonoscopy is generally safe when performed by a physician who is specially trained and experienced in them.  Possible complications include perforation of the bowel wall, bleeding and drug reactions.

Will it Hurt?
While it is normal to have some degree of apprehension prior to your test, you should experience little discomfort.  You will be given intravenous sedation before the procedure to help you relax and many patients have no recollection of the test afterward.  One or more of the following medications may be used:  Versed, Demerol and Fentanyl.  If you are allergic to any of these medications, please notify the office before your procedure. 

What Preparation is Needed?
The colon must be completely clean for the procedure to be performed.  You may be given one of two different preps to cleanse your bowel:  Co-Lyte, Golytely, Nulytely, Fleet Phospho Soda, HalfLytely or OsmoPrep.  You will also need to be on a clear liquid diet for a time before your procedure. 

Should I Take my Medications the Morning of my Procedure?
You may take any essential medicines, such as heart, asthma, blood pressure and anti-seizure medications. DO NOT take any aspirin or medicines that contain aspirin for 5 days prior to your procedure.  If you take Coumadin or other blood thinning medication, DO NOT take it for 3 days prior to your procedure. 
A Note to Diabetics: If you take insulin once a day, take only 1/2 your normal dose the day before your procedure.  Please check your blood sugar the morning of your procedure. Do not take any insulin the morning of your procedure until after it is completed.  If you take insulin twice a day, take your normal morning dose the day before your procedure and none in the evening.  Do not take any insulin the morning of your procedure until after it is completed. 

What Can I Expect During the Procedure?
Before the procedure starts, you will be given sedation through an IV.  Your blood pressure, pulse, respirations and oxygen level will be monitored continuously during the test.  While you are lying on your left side, the endoscope is passed through the anus and slowly advanced to the end of the colon.  You may experience a feeling of bloating or cramping at times during the procedure.  The procedure usually takes between 15 to 30 minutes to perform. 

What Happens After the Procedure?
After your procedure is completed you will be taken to a recovery area for approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, where you will be monitored and observed by a Registered Nurse.  You can expect to feel drowsy for several hours afterward.  You may experience some cramping or bloating due to air introduced into the colon during the exam.  You will not be able to drive or operate any machinery for the rest of the day.  You will be given written discharge instructions and appropriate learning material before you go home. 

When Will I Find Out the Results of My Test?
Dr. Imam will talk to you and your designated driver you before you leave and usually preliminary results can be given to you at that time.  If a biopsy was taken during the procedure it will be sent to the laboratory for examination under a microscope.  It will take 3 to 4 days before the report is received from the laboratory. 
 

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