Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is the endoscopic examination of the rectum, colon, and distal ileum. It's the gold standard for evaluation of the large intestine. Colonoscopy is quite an uncomfortable procedure which requires difficult patient preparation. An alternative to colonoscopy is colonography.

During colonoscopy, biopsy samples can be made and colonic polyps can be removed.

Indications

• Lower gastrointestinal bleeding
• Screening for colorectal cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Colon polyp

Patient preparation

Emptying the bowel before colonography is essential. The patient must fast minimum 6 hours ahead and only consume clear fluids (water and thin drinks) the day before. A strong laxative must be given to empty the bowel completely.

The procedure is painful, and so the patient is usually administered an opioid and a benzodiazepine before.