What is a colonoscopy?
A Colonoscopy is a particular type of imaging test that is performed for the purpose of examining an individual’s large intestine, including the colon, anus, and rectum. Doctors may recommend middle-aged people as well as older adults to go for this test.
What can be diagnosed using a colonoscopy?
There are several different types of problems that can be diagnosed through a colonoscopy. For example, gastrointestinal diseases like colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease can be diagnosed accurately using this test process. Apart from that, there are more conditions that can be diagnosed through this test. Some of them are mentioned below.
- Intestinal Ischemia
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Diverticulitis and diverticulosis
- Large bowel obstructions
- Colorectal polyps
- Ulcers
Why do you need a colonoscopy?
Colorectal cancer may take place without generating any symptoms, hence, a screening is required to diagnose its presence accurately. You can be recommended to go for a colonoscopy if it is found that you are at a high risk of developing colorectal cancer.
When do you need to go for a colonoscopy?
You must consider going for a colonoscopy if the below-mentioned symptoms start getting visible in you.
- Unexplained rectal bleeding
- Rectal discharge
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Sudden changes in bowel habits
- Unexplained weight loss
A colonoscopy can be suggested if it is required to investigate your symptoms closely as this test can help the medical experts get perfect views of your large intestine.
Test preparations
Before you appear for a colonoscopy, you have to ensure that your large intestine is as clean as possible. You can even be suggested to start adjusting your diet a few days before the day of your colonoscopy. For example, healthcare professionals may recommend continuing a low-fiber diet for approximately 3 days before the day of your test. The evening before your colonoscopy, you may need to consume a laxative formula that will help you purge all your bowels.
What happens during a colonoscopy?
The colonoscope is a lighted camera attached to the tip of a long and flexible tube. The medical experts will keep inserting the colonoscope through your anus and will keep advancing it through your colon until the tip of it reaches your small intestine and during this inserting process, the catheter will keep pumping air into the colon to make sure the colon stays inflated. The camera will keep transmitting videos of the inner part of your colon. The colorectal surgeon or a gastroenterologist will watch the videos carefully to look for abnormalities. Once the process is finished, they will bring the colonoscope out of your body the same way it was inserted.
How long does a colonoscopy take?
It takes approximately 15 minutes to complete the entire test process. However, if the experts find something during the process that needs to be treated or removed, then some extra time may be required.
What are the risks of a colonoscopy?
- Infections that will require antibiotics
- Injury to the wall of the colon
- Uncontrolled bleeding because of tissue removal
- Abnormal reactions of the body to anesthesia
Result Interpretation
Abnormal results from a colonoscopy may include
- Precancerous or cancerous polyps
- Uncontrolled gastrointestinal bleeding
- Narrowing of your intestine
- Chronic damage to the tissues like scarring
- Abnormal pouches in the lining of the intestine
- Inflammation caused by infection
- Ischemia or Autoimmune disease
You can now easily book an Colonoscopy test in Delhi. Several Colonoscopy test centres in Delhi offer them at an affordable price. Generally, Colonoscopy test costs in Delhi start from 4000 rupees only.
Frequently asked questions about Colonoscopy test
How long does a colonoscopy take?
It takes more or less 15 minutes to complete the test process.
Why is a colonoscopy performed?
A colonoscopy is performed to examine an individual’s large intestine.
What to do if any abnormalities are found in the test report?
You must consult a doctor as soon as possible and get the necessary treatments.