COLONOSCOPY
This procedure enables the physician to examine the structure and lining of your colon (large intestine
or bowel). A biopsy (small tissue sample) can be taken during the procedure if any abnormalities are
found, and polyps (abnormal growths) can also be removed.
*Colonoscopy is proven to be the best way to completely view the entire colon, and to diagnose colon
and rectal problems. Colonoscopy is often recommended for symptoms of abdominal pain, blood in the
stool, a change in bowel habits, diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, or abnormality found on x-ray or CT
scan.
*Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States (after lung cancer). 93% of
colon cancer cases occur in men and women age 50 an older, and the risk of developing increases with
age. With colorectal cancer screening, such as colonoscopy, one third of deaths from this type of cancer
could be avoided. (www.cdc.gov/cancer/screenforlife) Colon cancer usually develops from polyps, which
can be removed during the colonoscopy, preventing them from turning into cancer (tumors or masses).
It is now recommended that everyone at the age of 50 should have a screening colonoscopy, and if
there is a family history of colon cancer, then the screening should begin at the age of 40 or sooner.
**To prepare for a colonoscopy, the colon must be completely cleaned to ensure the procedure is
complete and accurate. You will be given detailed instructions about cleansing the colon before your
procedure. These instructions should be followed closely or the procedure may have to be repeated
later, or a less accurate alternative chosen in its place.
*To make the procedure more comfortable for you, medication called conscious sedation will be given
through an IV into your vein. This medication will help you relax and make you sleepy. The medicine that
is commonly used is Demerol or fentanyl and Versed. Conscious sedation is also known as "twilight
sleep". Most patients do not remember the procedure. You will be lying on your side, completely
covered with a draped during the procedure. The physician will then pass the colonoscope (a flexible
rubber scope with a light and camera at the end of it) gently into the rectum and up into the colon. You
will be breathing on your own during this procedure. A nurse will be by your side during the procedure,
watching your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing.
*During the colonoscopy, the physician can take biopsies (small tissue samples) to rule out any
abnormalities that may be seen better under the microscope. He may also be able to remove polyps and
treat bleeding areas. The procedure generally takes 30 minutes depending on what the physician finds
and how easy it is to maneuver the scope through the colon.
*After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery area where you will be monitored for
approximately one hour until most of the effects of the sedation have worn off. A nurse will monitor you
to make sure you don't show any signs of complication. The nurse will listen to your abdomen, make
sure you can tolerate fluids, and pass gas before you are discharged from the hospital. You will be able
to resume your usual diet and take your routine medication after the procedure, unless otherwise
instructed by a physician.
**Because of the sedation used during the procedure, it is illegal to drive home! YOU MUST MAKE
ARRANGEMENTS FOR A RIDE. No driving or operating heavy machinery or equipment for 24 hours.
*Complications are uncommon. Bleeding can occur at a biopsy site, or where a polyp was removed. It is
usually minimal, and rarely requires follow up. Other potential risks include reaction to the conscious
sedation, and perforation (a tear) through the colon wall that could require surgery. Irritation to the vein
that medication is given is uncommon, but may cause a tender area or lump that may last several days.
Warm, moist towels will help with this discomfort. You may have some feelings of fullness, bloating, or
cramping after the procedure, because of air introduced into the colon during the examination. This
discomfort should resolve after you pass gas.
**Please contact your physician if you notice any signs of complications such as difficulty tolerating
fluids, persistent nausea or vomiting, worsening chest pain, severe abdominal pain, fever or chills.
*The physician can discuss the findings of the colonoscopy with who ever came with you, or he can
write this down, as you may not remember the conversation directly after the procedure as a result of
the sedation. Results from the laboratory take at least 2 weeks. The physician or his assistant will call
you with these results, and discuss follow up treatment. A copy of the report and procedure will be sent
to your primary care physician.
**If you have any questions, or if you require additional information regarding your procedure please
contact our office.
Binghamton Gastroenterology
40 Mitchell Avenue, 3rd Floor
Binghamton, NY 13903-1678
Phone: 607-772-0639
Fax: 607-722-4610