Colonoscopy: Prep & Guidelines for the Procedure

Colonoscopy is a screening procedure that enables the examiner to look inside the large intestine (rectum and colon) for polyps, abnormal areas, tumours or cancer. A colonoscope which a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and lens for viewing, is inserted through the rectum into the colon. The apparatus also has a tool to remove polyps or tissue samples, which are checked under a microscope for signs of cancer or other diseases.

Why is it done?

1. To check for colorectal cancer or polyps
2. To check for the cause of blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
3. To check for the cause of dark or black stools
4. To check for the cause of chronic diarrhoea
5. To check for the cause of iron deficiency anaemia
6. To check for the cause of sudden, unexplained weight loss
7. To check the colon after abnormal results from a CT scan, MRI, virtual colonoscopy, stool test, or barium enema
8. To watch or treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
9. To check for the cause of long-term, unexplained stomach pain

A sigmoidoscopy is often used as a screening procedure for a full colonoscopy.

Preparation for Colonoscopy

1. The colon must be free of a solid matter before the test is conducted
2. The patients may be asked to follow a low- fibre or all liquid diet
3. The day before the procedure, the patient is usually given a laxative preparation
4. The patient may be asked to skip any paracetamol or paracetamol like products

Colonoscopy is always conducted on a doctor's advice. Usually, patients are admitted a day ahead for such procedures, but the unique design and special care for the surgery at Apollo Spectra make it possible for the patient to undergo this test in a single day without any hassles, which also implies that you can join your family for dinner the same day.