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Colonoscopy - Procedure, Cost, Diet And Side Effects

Last Updated: Aug 19, 2020

What is Colonoscopy Test?

Colonoscopy is a test that is done by a doctor to monitor and examine the inner lining of the large intestine i.e. rectum and colon. Colonoscope is a long and flexible tube, whose tip is inserted into the anus and gradually extended, into your rectum and through the first part of the colon.

Colonoscopy test helps in finding ulcers, tumours, colon polyps or any area that is affected by inflammation and bleeding. It can also be performed as a screening test for checking precancerous growth, cancer in the rectum or the colon. During a colonoscopy procedure, your tissue sample will be examined to detect abnormal growths.

What is a virtual colonoscopy?

A virtual colonoscopy is like an X-ray test, which does not require the insertion of the colonoscope. However, it is not effective in detecting all types of colon polyps. Colonoscopy with a colonoscope is a much better choice for examining the colon in detail.

What are the signs that you should go for colonoscopy?

The signs that you must undergo colonoscopy test are:

  • When you change in bowel habits
  • When you suffer from Diarrhea, constipation, or feel that your bowel does not empty completely
  • If you see dark blood in the stool
  • Weight loss
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Frequent gas pains
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Bloating
  • Fatigue
  • Iron-deficiency anaemia

How to prepare for a colonoscopy?

It is mandatory to clean out the colon prior to the test. Two days before the test, you have to stop consuming solid food and drink only fluids to clean out your bowel.

How is colonoscopy done?

A colonoscopy is performed by a trained specialist either in an outpatient center or in a hospital. The doctor will first inject an IV needle in the vein of your arm. Sedatives, painkillers or anesthesia is given through that IV channel, allowing you to relax during the test. Your vital stats will be monitored by the staff.

You will have to lie on the table and the doctor will insert the colonoscope into the anus and guide it carefully through the rectum and the colon. The scope will pump air inside the large intestine enabling the doctor to get a better view. During this process, you may experience abdominal cramps or the urge to go to the toilet. The attached camera sends the video image of your intestinal lining to the monitor, where the doctor can view and examine the intestinal tissues. You may have to move several times so that the scope can be adjusted for a better view.

How long does a colonoscopy take from start to finish?

It can typically take about 20 minutes to an hour to complete the whole examination. The results are generally available just after the completion of the colonoscopy procedure. Your doctor will share it with you as soon as the effect of the sedative and the anaesthesia has worn off.

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What is the best diet for a person undergoing colonoscopy?

Foods you should not eat before colonoscopy:

Fruits with skin or seeds , Nuts, Granola, Brown rice, Pasta, Whole grain bread, Oatmeal, Bread with seeds, Dried peas, beans, Lentis, Raisins, Dry fruits, Potato with skin, Corn, Alcoholic beverages, Tomatoes, Cucumber with seeds, Cooked cabbage, Sprouts, Green peas,Onion,Lima Beans, Peanuts, walnuts, almonds, Fennel seed, Sesame seed, Pumpkin seed, Sunflower seed, Lentil soup, Chilli etc

Foods you can eat after colonoscopy:

After you have undergone colonoscopy, you must consume only that food which are gentle and comfortable to your digestive system like Electrolyte drinks, vegetable and fruit juice, Herbal tea, Graham cracker, Soup, Yogurt,Popsicles, Pudding, Scrambled eggs, Soft white fish, Apple butter, Whitebread etc.

When to get a colonoscopy?

A person is recommended to undergo a colonoscopy under the following conditions:

What are the post-treatment guidelines?

The post treatment guidelines after a colonoscopy would include:

  • You may be required to stay at the hospital or the clinic for 1 or 2 hours
  • Drink an adequate amount of liquid to make up for the fluids you have lost during the test
  • Do not drink alcohol immediately after the test
  • It is advisable not to drive for a day after the test if you have been given sedatives
  • Your doctor will advise you when to eat your normal diet and resume your daily activities. If a polyp was removed during the test, you may have to eat a special diet for a certain time period.

How long will it take to recover from a colonoscopy?

After the test, you will have to remain in the clinic for an hour or two to recover from the sedative that was administered. You may be able to resume your daily activities from the day after. If you have diarrhoea, you can rest for an extra two or three days.

What are the side effects of colonoscopy?

The side effects of colonoscopy include abdominal cramping, backpain dizziness, vomiting, bloody bowel movements, a hard/ tight belly, bleeding from the anus, fever, unable to pass gas or stool.

How much does a colonoscopy cost in India?

The price of undergoing a colonoscopy test in India varies from Rs. 9525 to Rs. 22,225.

Are the results of the treatment permanent?

If you have undergone a routine colonoscopy and come clean, you can opt for the next one after ten years. If there were some small disorders found during the first examination, you must repeat the test after five years.

What are the alternatives to the treatment?

Colonoscopy is a test that is performed for screening of colon cancer. Other alternative tests include stool tests, sigmoidoscopy, virtual colonoscopy and computed tomographic colonography.

Key Highlights

  • Safety: High
  • Effectiveness: Medium
  • Timeliness: High
  • Relative Risk: Low
  • Side Effects: Low
  • Recovery Time: Very Low
  • Price Range: Rs. 9525 - Rs. 22,225

References

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Written ByDr. Amit C MD - Physical Medicine & RehabilitationPediatrics
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Reviewed ByDr. Bhupindera Jaswant SinghMD - Consultant PhysicianGeneral Physician
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