Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that involves using a camera to examine the large intestine, from the rectum to the beginning of the colon, including the cecum, appendix, and terminal ileum. It is a safe procedure that typically does not take long (unless a biopsy is required) and can be performed without the need for the patient to be hospitalized, provided they are young and do not have any underlying medical conditions.

However, for patients who are at high risk of complications, such as the elderly or those with heart, lung, liver, or kidney diseases, it may be necessary to hospitalize them to ensure appropriate care and minimize the risk of complications that may occur during or after the procedure.

Common indications for a colonoscopy include abnormal bowel habits (e.g., constipation alternating with diarrhea, blood or mucus in stools, or frequent bowel movements that do not feel complete), lower abdominal pain or discomfort, abnormal findings on a barium enema x-ray, a family history of colon cancer, or positive results on an occult blood test despite having normal-looking stools.

Patient Preparation and Examination Procedures

Patients should avoid taking Aspirin or iron-containing supplements for at least 7 days prior to the examination in order to ensure a clean colon, free of fecal matter on the surface of the large intestine. Therefore, patient preparation is necessary for endoscopy, as follows:

Three days before the examination, patients should consume foods with low residue, such as congee, boiled rice, fish, white bread, butter, milk, honey, tea, and coffee, and avoid foods with high fiber, such as vegetables, fruits, and brown rice.

On the day before the examination, patients should only consume clear liquids for all meals and drink plenty of fluids. Clear liquid diet includes fruit juices without pulp, tea without milk, black coffee, clear soup without solid food, and sweetened drinks.

Patients may also need to take laxatives as prescribed by the doctor to ensure that the colon is free of fecal matter in the evening, before bed, or in the morning of the examination day.

The examination will take place at the Gastrointestinal Center of Vibhavadi Hospital, which has prepared separate examination rooms for male and female patients.

Post-Examination Care:

It is recommended to avoid food and water for approximately an hour, until the patient feels normal or until their general symptoms subside. The patient may experience bloating or discomfort due to the air inserted by the physician into their intestines, which should disappear shortly. They may also feel abdominal pain and a desire to defecate.

In cases where tissue samples are taken for examination, there may be slight bleeding mixed with stool in the first two days.

Lower gastrointestinal endoscopy is a safe procedure, with a low risk of complications such as bowel perforation or tearing, which would require surgical repair. Bleeding resulting from tissue or intestinal perforation during the procedure usually stops on its own. However, if the patient experiences sudden severe abdominal pain, fever, or heavy bleeding exceeding half a cup, urgent medical attention should be sought.

With best regards,

The Gastrointestinal System Center.