treatments - COLONOSCOPY

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Having a colonoscopy

• You have been advised to have a test called a colonoscopy to help find the cause of your symptoms.
• This information sheet has been prepared after talking to patients who have had the test.
• If you have any worries please do not hesitate to ask the consultant.

What is a colonoscopy?

• Colonoscopy is a technique by which the doctor can look directly into your large bowel (colon), to see exactly what is causing your problems.
• It also allows samples of tissue to be taken painlessly for testing later.
• The endoscope is a thin flexible tube with a bright light on the end, which is passed through your anus and into your colon.
• As with any medical procedure, there is an element of risk involved in a colonoscopy.
• According to the British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines, this examination carried a 1 in 1000 risk of damage to the lining of the large bowel which may need to be repaired by means of a surgical operation.
• The risk of perforation or bleeding is increased to 1 in 400 if it is necessary to treat polyps with hot biopsy forceps or a polypectomy snare.
• Another rare complication is having a reaction to the IV sedative drugs. This risk occurs in less than 1% of procedures.
• There is a small risk involved with the use of the x-rays this is much less than the risks of the procedure itself.

What should I expect?

• To allow a clear view, the bowel must be clean and empty. This is achieved by taking the enclosed powders. These prepare your bowel for the test.
• If you are having your colonoscopy at the Spire Hospital Bristol please call 0117 980 4074 for instructions on this preparation.
• You must not have anything to eat or drink including water for 2 hours before your appointment.
• If you have any worries or questions, dont be afraid to ask. The consultant will want you to be as relaxed as possible for the test and will not mind answering your questions.
• You will be seen by the consultant. Having read this leaflet, please ask for any further explanations before you sign the consent form.
• Please tell the consultant if you have had any allergies or bad reactions to drugs or other tests.
• You will have to remove your lower garments.

Special instructions

• Please stop taking iron tablets ( eg: ferrous sulphate), 7 days before your appointment. It is important that you continue to take any other medication.

During the test

• In the examination room you will be made comfortable on a couch, resting on your left side.
• The consultant will examine you and then pass the colonoscope through your anus and into your colon.
• Some air will be passed down the tube to distend the bowel to allow the consultant a clearer view. This can give you wind type pain. The amount of air put into your bowel can be adjusted to help ease the pain.
• X-rays may be used during the test to help position the flexible tube.
• Sometimes the consultant takes a tissue sample (biopsy) for examination in the laboratory.
• It may take approximately half an hour to examine all the areas of your bowel carefully.

When do I know the results?

• In some cases the consultant will be able to tell you the results as soon as it is over.
• However if a sample (biopsy) has been taken for examination, the results may take several days, at which point the consultant will contact you.

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