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2630 Grant Line Road
New Albany, IN 47150
Phone:
812-945-0145
Fax: 812-949-5435
825 University Woods
Drive, Ste. 2
New Albany, IN 47150
Phone:
812-945-0145
Fax: 812-949-5443
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The doctors of Gastroenterology of Southern Indiana must often perform
routine procedures for the evaluation and treatment of many digestive tract
problems. The information below is meant as a reference only and should
not be used as diagnostic treatment.
Colonoscopy
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General information
Colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure that visually examines the entire
colon. The preparation is with an oral solution that removes the
waste from the colon. The inside of the colon is then examined for
any abnormalities that may exist. During this procedure, polyps
may be safely removed. This procedure is commonly performed for
evaluation of abnormal radiographic studies, removal of polyps,
assessment of bleeding and screening for colon cancer.
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Reasons for exam
The colon is the site for numerous diseases which can give you various
symptoms. Colonoscopy is useful in discovering these problems and
in treating them. Some of these conditions include:
- Colon cancer--This is a serious but highly curable if diagnosed
early
- Polyps--These are fleshy tumors which are sometimes the
forerunners of colon cancer
- Colitis (Ulcerative or Crohn's)--Chronic or recurrent inflammation
of the colon
- Diverticulosis--These are little sacs that develop on the colon
wall. They can become infected or be a cause of bleeding
- Sites of bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal barium x-ray exam
- Chronic diarrhea
Preparation for the exam
An oral laxative solution is given the day before the procedure.
This will cleanse the waste from the colon. It is important that
the preparation be followed completely. This procedure examines
the inside of the colon. Thus, if feces are retained, or the
preparation is inadequate, areas of the colon that may be of importance
to your health may be missed or misinterpreted. Usually the
preparations given for these are excellent. If you have specific
difficulties with laxatives or the preparations, please inform your
physician so that alternatives can be addressed. Please make sure
that your physician knows well in advance if you are taking any blood
thinners. Specific instructions will be given to each patient by
our nursing staff.
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Equipment
The colonoscope is a flexible instrument that can be steered around many
bends in the colon. The colonoscope has an optically sensitive
computer chip in the tip which transmits the signal onto a large video
screen. An open channel in the scope allows other instruments to
be passed through this channel to take biopsies, remove polyps, or stop
bleeding. Our facility uses the most state-of-the-art equipment.
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Benefits
A colonoscopy is performed primarily to identify and/or correct a
problem in the colon. This means the test enables a diagnosis to
be made upon which specific treatment can be given. For example,
if a polyp is found during the exam, it usually can be removed at that
time, eliminating the need for a major operation later. If a
bleeding site is identified, treatment can be administered to stop the
bleeding. Other treatments can be performed through the colonoscope
when necessary.
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Risks & side effects
No test is 100% accurate and infrequently colonoscopy can miss
abnormalities which are present. You may have a feeling of
bloating which is temporary. Complications are very uncommon.
Bleeding can occur following a biopsy or removal of a polyp, but it is
usually minimal and rarely requires a blood transfusion or surgery.
A localized irritation of the vein can occur at the IV site resulting in
a tender lump which may last for several weeks. Application of hot
moist towels may relieve the discomfort. Other risks include
complications of underlying heart or lung disease and reactions to one
of the sedatives. Perforation (a tear in the colon) is exceedingly
rare and occurs in approximately one in 1,000 cases. Any of these
complications could involve hospitalization, emergency surgery, or in an
exceptionally rare case, death. |
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