Colonoscopy Prep Guide

..

Colonoscopy Prep Site Map
...Understanding Colonoscopy?
..Colonoscopy Risks
..Colonoscopy Prep
..Colonoscopy Preparation
..

Understanding the Colonoscopy

You may have heard about someone having a colonoscopy. However, you are not sure exactly what that entails. Here are some basic facts about a colonoscopy, why doctors recommend them, and how to prepare in the event your doctor tells you that the time has come for a colonoscopy.

There are actually two types of colonoscopies. The most common type is an invasive procedure that can be done in a surgical center or a hospital on an outpatient basis. Essentially, the patient will be sedated and the colon and small bowel will be examined by using a small camera that is attached to a thin tube. The thin tube is introduced into the body by way of the anus. The tube is fed into position as the camera allows the attending physicians to observe any abnormalities that may be forming along the way.

Arriving at the colon, the doctors may observe the presence of polyps. As part of the colonoscopy, the camera and tube device can actually remove the polyp and retrieve it for the purpose of conducting a biopsy. The results of the biopsy will determine if further methods will need to be employed.

This type of colonoscopy also is used to look for other problems as well. As an example, a colonoscopy may aid in determining and treating irritable bowel disease, checking for obstructions that may be causing anemia or similar problems.

The second type of colonoscopy, which is called a virtual colonoscopy, is a completely non-invasive way of looking at what is going on in the colon and bowel area. Utilizing computer imagery that works with CT scans and MR scans, the doctor can observe the condition of the colon and bowels and based on the images projected decide if further treatment, perhaps using an invasive colonoscopy is warranted.

One of the main objections to the virtual colonoscopy is that no polyps or other matter can be collected for examination. As a result, the patient will have to endure another round of testing before answers may be made known about his or her true condition. For this reason, some doctors prefer to go ahead with the minimally invasive type of colonoscopy, reasoning that the patient does not need a long recover time and that if there is something that needs a biopsy, it can be collected at once.