COLOSCOPY
MEDICAL INFORMATION FOR COLONOSCOPIES
Are you about to have a colonoscopy?
To ensure that you are clearly informed about this medical procedure, we ask you to read this information document carefully. The doctor will be happy to give you any further information you may require.
PURPOSE OF THE EXAMINATION
This examination identifies any abnormalities in the colon (large intestine) and, if necessary, samples are taken for microscopic analysis. During this examination, polyps may be found in the colon (these polyps have a risk of cancerisation). Wherever possible, when these polyps are discovered, they are removed or destroyed at the same time.
PRePARATION
To ensure that the examination runs smoothly, the large intestine must be perfectly clean. You must follow the instructions given to you to the letter (diet and laxative preparation).
It is important to inform the doctors of any allergies you may have and of any medications you are taking, particularly those that affect coagulation, such as anti-inflammatories, Aspirin or anti-coagulants such as Sintrom. It is also very important to tell us if you have ever had heart surgery and, in particular, if you have artificial valves. You may be allowed to continue taking your other usual medicines. However, this will be confirmed during the consultation you will have with the anaesthetist before the examination.
EXAMINATION PROCEDURE
The examination can be very uncomfortable, which is why in most cases it is carried out with the help of an anaesthetist, who will put you gently to sleep during the examination. For this reason, the examination is carried out either as an inpatient or outpatient procedure.
The doctor introduces the flexible instrument (colonoscope) through the anus and then into the large intestine as far as the appendix and possibly the small intestine. The introduction of air through the endoscope gives a clear view of the colon. One or more small fragments of tissue (biopsies) can be removed by forceps passed through the endoscope during the examination. If a polyp is found, it can be removed using a sort of metal lasso, which is passed around the polyp and used to resect (remove) the polyp by passing a current through the metal lasso. The polyp is then recovered. The examination takes between 15 and 30 minutes. Once the examination has been completed, a period of recovery and monitoring is planned in the recovery room and then you will stay for a minimum of 2 hours in the day hospital unit.
On medical advice, a return home is authorised, usually the same day. Hospitalisation after the examination is sometimes planned in advance and may even be made necessary after the examination (due to the particular difficulty of the examination or the removal of a very large polyp).
AFTER THE EXAM
Abdominal cramps are common, often relieved by the emission of gas (air breathed in during the examination). IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED A CALMING MEDICATION, DRIVING A VEHICLE OR ANY HAZARDOUS ACTIONS IS FORBIDDEN ON THE DAY OF THE EXAMINATION. Similarly, you are advised not to stay alone in the hours following the examination. If, on returning home, you experience intense or unusual pain, significant blood loss through the anus or fever in the hours or even days following the examination, tell your GP, your gastroenterologist or the hospital emergency department.
PRECAUTIONS - RISKS
Colonoscopy is a low-risk examination. However, no doctor can guarantee that the procedure will be successful or risk-free. Every precaution is taken to minimise the inconvenience and risks. There is a very small risk of perforation and haemorrhage, especially in the case of removal of intestinal polyps (this risk is estimated at 1 in 3000). Resection of a polyp found during the examination is generally necessary. If the gastroenterologist considers the risk to be too high, he or she will suggest surgery. In the event of a complication, hospitalisation is necessary and treatment may sometimes be surgical.
ALTERNATIVE TO COLONOSCOPY
Colonoscopy is the best method of examining the colon. However, other examinations are also possible (e.g. virtual colonoscopy or barium enema). However, these tests do not allow samples to be taken or polyps to be removed.
IN THE EVENT OF REFUSAL
If the examination that your doctor has suggested is not carried out, this can have harmful consequences, as a disease that is currently curable by medication, endoscopic treatment or surgery may not be discovered.
PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR FOR ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
Do not hesitate to contact the secretariat of the gastroenterology department of the hospital where the examination will be carried out.
