Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is the minimally invasive endoscopic examination of the large colon and the distal part of the small bowel with a fiber optic camera on a flexible tube passed through the anus. It may provide a visual diagnosis (e.g. ulceration, polyps) and grants the opportunity for biopsy of suspected lesions. Virtual colonoscopy, which uses 3D imagery reconstructed from computed tomography (CAT) scans, is also possible, as a totally non-invasive medical test, although it is not standard and still under investigation. Colonoscopy is similar but not the same as sigmoidoscopy. The difference between colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy is related to which parts of the colon each can examine. Sigmoidoscopy allows doctors to view only the final part of the colon, while colonoscopy allows a complete examination of the colon, which can measure well over six feet (two metres) in overall length.

Uses

Indications for colonoscopy include gastrointestinal hemorrhage, unexplained changes in bowel habit or suspicion of malignancy. Colonoscopies are often used to diagnose or rule out colon cancer, but are also frequently used to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease. In older patients (sometimes even younger ones) an unexplained drop in hematocrit (one sign of anemia) is an indication to do a colonoscopy, usually along with an EGD (gastroscopy), even if no obvious blood has been seen in the stool (feces).

Fecal occult blood is a quick test which can be done to test for microscopic traces of blood in the stool. A positive test is almost always an indication to do a colonoscopy. In most cases the positive result is just due to hemorrhoids; however it can also be due to polyps (which are easily removed during the colonoscopy procedure), diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), or colon cancer.

Due to the high mortality associated with colon cancer and the high effectivity and low risks associated with colonoscopy, it is now also becoming a routine screening test for people 50 years of age or older. Subsequent rescreenings are then scheduled based on the initial results found, with a five- or ten-year recall being common for colonoscopies that produce normal results.

Procedure

Preparation

The colon must be free of solid matter for the test to be performed properly. For one to three days, the patient is required to follow a low fibre or clear fluid only diet. Then, on the day before the colonoscopy, the patient is given a laxative preparation (such as sodium picosulfate, sodium phosphate solution, or a solution of polyethylene glycol and electrolytes) and large quantities of fluid.

The investigation

During the procedure the patient is often given sedation intravenously, employing agents such as midazolam or pethidine (meperidine or Demerol). The average person will receive a combination of these two drugs, usually between 1-4 mg iv midazolam, and 25 to 125 mg iv pethidine. Sedation practices vary between practitioners and nations; in some clinics in Norway, sedation is rarely administered nitrous oxide ^*" target="_blank" >propofol [http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/176_04_180202/cla10751.html" target="_blank" >^*, which have advantages and disadvantages relating to recovery time (particularly the duration of amnesia after the procedure is complete), patient experience, and the degree of supervision needed for safe administration. The first step is usually a digital rectal examination, to examine the tone of the sphincter and to determine if preparation has been adequate. The endoscope is then passed though the anus up the rectum, the colon (sigmoid, descending, transverse and ascending colon, the cecum), and ultimately the terminal ileum. The endoscope has a movable tip and multiple channels for instrumentation, air, suction and light. The bowel is occasionally insufflated with air to maximize visibility. Biopsies are frequently taken for histology.

Suspicious lesions may be cauterized, treated with laser light or cut with an electric wire for purposes of biopsy. Medication can be injected, e.g. to control bleeding lesions. On average, the procedure takes 20-30 minutes, depending on the indication and findings.

After the procedure, some recovery time is usually allowed to let the sedative wear off. Most facilities require that you have a person with you to help get you home afterwards (again, depending on the sedation method used).

One very common aftereffect from the procedure is a bout of flatulence and minor wind pain caused by air blown into the colon during the procedure.

An advantage of colonoscopy over x-ray imaging or other, less invasive tests, is the ability to perform minor surgery during the test. If a polyp is found, for example, it can be removed by one of several techniques. A snare can be place around a polyp for removal. Even if the polyp is flat on the surface it can often be removed. For example, the following show a polyp removed in stages.

Risks

A very small proportion of patients suffer a perforation. This is a medical emergency and may require immediate surgery. Post colonoscopy bleeding, infection, and sedation reactions are also possible side effects.

This procedure usually requires patient sedation and has a low (0.2%) risk of serious complications.

External links

Colonoscopy. Based on public-domain NIH Publication No. 02-4331, dated February 2002.

Diagnostic gastroenterology | Medical tests

Koloskopie | Colonoscopia | Coloscopie | קולונוסקופיה | Kolonoskopia