Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy gives your specialist a close look at the inside of your large bowel. It can help find the cause of bowel symptoms, check changes seen on other tests and, in some cases, treat a problem at the same time.
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a procedure used to examine the lining of your large bowel, also called the colon, and rectum.
Your specialist uses a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope. A small camera at the tip sends images of the bowel lining to a screen, allowing your doctor to look closely for anything unusual.
If an area needs further investigation, a small sample of tissue may be taken for testing. This is called a biopsy. Small growths known as polyps can often be removed during the same procedure.
What can a colonoscopy show?
Looking directly at the bowel lining can help your specialist identify changes that may not be visible on other tests.
These can include:
- Bowel polyps, which are small growths on the bowel lining. Most aren’t cancerous, but some can develop into cancer over time
- Inflammation or ulcers, which may help with the diagnosis or monitoring of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Areas that may be cancerous, allowing tissue samples to be taken if bowel cancer is suspected
- Possible sources of bowel bleeding, which can then be assessed in more detail
Sometimes the examination doesn’t find an explanation for your symptoms. If this happens, your doctor will discuss any other investigations that may be helpful.
Why might I need a colonoscopy?
Your doctor may recommend this investigation if you have bowel symptoms that need a closer look or if another test has found something that requires further assessment.
Reasons can include:
- Blood in your bowel movements or bleeding from your back passage
- A persistent change in how often you open your bowels or the appearance of your stools
- Ongoing abdominal discomfort that hasn’t been explained
- An abnormal result from a bowel cancer screening test
- Previous bowel polyps or bowel cancer that need follow-up
- A higher risk of bowel cancer because of your family or medical history
- Monitoring changes caused by IBD
A colonoscopy only examines the large bowel. Symptoms affecting the upper digestive system may need a different test. For example, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) affects the oesophagus, the tube connecting your mouth and stomach.
Preparing for a colonoscopy
Your bowel needs to be empty so your specialist can see its lining clearly. You’ll be given detailed instructions before your appointment, including when to change what you eat and drink.
You’ll also need to take bowel preparation medicine. This causes frequent, watery bowel movements to clear the colon before the procedure. Staying close to a toilet once you start the preparation can make this part easier to manage.
Tell your healthcare team about any medicines you take and any health conditions you have. They’ll explain if you need to make temporary changes before your appointment.
As sedation is commonly used, you’ll usually need someone to take you home afterwards. Follow the instructions provided by your care team carefully, as good bowel preparation helps your specialist carry out a thorough examination.
What happens during a colonoscopy?
Before the procedure starts, you’ll usually be given sedation through a vein. This medicine helps you feel relaxed and comfortable.
The colonoscope is then gently passed through your back passage and around the large bowel. Carbon dioxide or air may be introduced to gently open the bowel so the lining can be seen more clearly.
Your specialist will examine the images as the camera moves through the colon. If they find a polyp, it can often be removed straight away. Tissue samples may also be collected without you feeling them being taken.
The procedure itself commonly takes around 20 to 45 minutes, although this can vary depending on what your doctor finds and if any treatment is needed.
Recovering from a colonoscopy
You’ll spend some time in a recovery area while the effects of the sedation wear off. Feeling bloated or needing to pass wind afterwards is common because gas is used to open the bowel during the examination.
Your healthcare team will explain what was found before you leave or arrange a follow-up discussion. If a biopsy or polyp has been sent to a laboratory, those results will take longer.
Because sedation can affect your concentration and reactions, you shouldn’t drive or operate machinery for the rest of the day. Follow the specific advice you’re given about returning to work, exercise or your usual routine.
Risks of a colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is generally considered a safe procedure, but complications can occur.
Possible risks include bleeding, particularly after a polyp is removed, and a reaction to the sedation. Rarely, a small tear can develop in the bowel wall. Your specialist will discuss the risks that apply to you before the procedure.
Seek urgent medical attention after your colonoscopy if you develop severe abdominal pain, heavy or persistent bleeding, a fever or significant dizziness.
Book a private colonoscopy with Complete Health Australia
If you’ve been referred for a colonoscopy or have bowel symptoms that need investigating, our gastroenterology team can help you understand what comes next.
Your specialist will review your symptoms and medical history, explain if a colonoscopy is appropriate and talk you through the preparation, procedure and results in clear language. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions before making decisions about your care.
Meet our specialists
Our team of gastroenterology experts provide dedicated care from the moment you get in touch. They’ll ensure you’re fully informed on what to expect and what your results mean.
Sources
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/colonoscopy
- https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/colonoscopy/
- https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/tests-and-scans/colonoscopy
- https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/colonoscopy
Our approach
Timely Access
Comprehensive Assessment
Collaborative Care
Personalised Treatment
Ongoing Support
Patient Journey
Book & prepare
See your specialist
Get diagnosed
Start treatment
Recover & support
Why choose Complete Health Australia
