Colonoscopy
What is a Colonoscopy ?
A colonoscopy is a procedure that involves examining the interior of your large intestine, also known as the colon. It is valuable in diagnosing gastrointestinal conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in the treatment and prevention of colon cancer. Routine colonoscopies are advised by healthcare providers for individuals in middle-aged and older demographics as part of cancer screening protocols.
Symptoms
Reasons for considering a colonoscopy include:
- Unexplained rectal bleeding or discharge.
- Unexplained alterations in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or incontinence.
- Persistent abdominal pain without an apparent cause.
- Unexplained weight loss or failure to gain weight in children.
Conditions that can be diagnosed through colonoscopy encompass:
- Chronic colitis, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
- Intestinal ischemia and ischemic colitis.
- Diverticulosis and diverticulitis.
- Ulcers and perforations.
- Large bowel obstructions.
- Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer.
Treatment
One advantage of endoscopic procedures such as colonoscopy is the potential for simultaneous treatment if any issues are detected during the examination. Endoscopists undergo specialized training to perform minor procedures using specialized tools inserted through the endoscope. During a colonoscopy, it is common for endoscopists to identify and remove any polyps (abnormal growths), subsequently testing them for signs of cancer. This polypectomy not only eliminates existing abnormalities but also serves to prevent the potential development or spread of cancer.
During your colonoscopy, the endoscopist has the capability to:
- Perform polypectomy (polyp removal).
- Seal wounds.
- Administer medication via injection.
- Address blockages.
- Install stents.
- Provide laser therapy to tissues.