Colonoscopy - Everything you need to know

If your doctor recommends you to go for a colonoscopy a lot of questions may be coming in your mind about it. Don’t get anxious. Let’s understand colonoscopy in an easy manner.

What is Colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is endoscopic examination of the large intestine and the last part of small intestine with a camera. It is done by an instrument named Colonoscope which is flexible and has a camera at its tip. Flexibility allows to move the scope as per the curves of intestine.

- The term colonoscopy refers to a medical procedure during which a long flexible tube is used to look inside the colon.

- It is a procedure performed by a gastroenterologist, a well-trained specialist.

Cost of Colonoscopy in Delhi?

The cost of Colonoscopy depends upon multiple factors and ranges from Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 18,000 in Delhi.

• Minimum amount to be paid in Delhi starts from Rs.3,500/-
• Average charges in Delhi is approximately Rs.6,700/-
• Maximum price in Delhi may rise up to Rs.18,000/-

Charges for Colonoscopy in Delhi depends on -

• Health condition of the patient
• Type of hospital
• The admission room that you opted for
• Doctor fee
• Materials required in procedure

Why Colonoscopy is ordered by your doctor?

It is used to detect any abnormality in large intestine or rectum. Your doctor may order colonoscopy –

• If your doctor thinks something is wrong in your large intestine.
• If you are NOT responding well to oral medicines.
• If you complain of heavy bleeding or blood clots in your stools.
• If you have family history of large intestine diseases or intestinal cancer.
• For Colon Cancer Screening – If you are 50 years old with or without any family history of Colon Cancer, your doctor may recommend you colonoscopy to rule out any possibility of cancer in your large intestine.
• If your doctor is suspecting that there are polyps in your large intestine.

Should I be afraid of Colonoscopy?

No, it is a procedure commonly done. It’d help in making a clear diagnosis which in turn help the doctor to advice you the best treatment option.

What will happen to me in Colonoscopy?

A small camera or a fiber-optic camera on a flexible tube shall be passed through the back-passage till the last part of small intestine and whole large intestine and rectum would be assessed properly. You may be sedated so that you do not feel anything.

How much time does coloscopy takes?

It takes 30 to 40 minutes depending upon the doctor and hospital set-up. May take longer if any abnormality (e.g Polyp) is detected and need to be removed.

Is it painful?

Most doctors do this procedure under sedation. Means you’ll be given a few medicines that would make you feel sleepy and you’ll not feel anything during the procedure. You may feel some pain if it is done without sedation.

What are the risks involved in colonoscopy?

Although it rarely causes any problem but it may have a few risks –

• Perforation - Rare possibility is there that perforation of intestine may occur because of mishandling or any other cause.
• Adverse reaction - Sedative medicines used in the procedure may cause adverse reaction to the patient.
• Bleeding-  If polyps are being removed or any tissue is being taken for testing then bleeding may occur from this site.
• Injury - Many a times cuts/fissures may develop at back passage after the colonoscopy because of damaged instrument or mishandling. It may cause pain and/or bleeding.

Your doctor may explain these things in advance and make you sign a consent form before going for the procedure. You may discuss every question you have in your mind at this position.

How to Prepare for colonoscopy?

Keep following things in mind -

1. Take Appointment and confirm it one day before your visit

• Colonoscopy is a procedure that needs a lot of time so confirm the availability of your doctor and reach the venue on time.
• Make sure you have told your doctor about all your health problems (diabetes, heart diseases, lung problems, pregnancy etc).
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any medicines for any other illness (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, blood-thinners etc). You may need to stop these medicines or adjust the dosage.
• Never stop your medications without your doctor’s permission.

2. Clean your intestine

Its important that your intestines are clean at the time of procedure.

• Take light meals 1-2 days before the procedure.
• Include lots of fluids in diet.
• Take some laxative (If recommended by your doctor).
• You may use enema if you have chronic constipation.

3. Carry spare clothes

• Your clothes may get soiled do better to carry spare clothes.
• Do carry a gown and a pair of undergarments.

What should I expect during the procedure?

• You’ll be made to change your clothes (may be a gown and nothing else).
• You may be told to take some sort of laxative depending upon your condition and doctor’s choice.
• You may be given a few sedative medicines as pills and/or injections.
• You’ll be asked to lie down on your side on the examination table with knees bent to your chest.
• Doctor will slowly insert the colonoscope and will examine the whole colon. It may tale 10-30 minutes or may be more in a few cases.
• You may feel bloated or discomfort in abdomen because of the instrument and carbon dioxide gas (introduced to inflate the intestine so that doctor may examine it clearly)

What should I expect after the procedure?

• It may take about an hour to recover from sedation.
• You’ll be made to have rest for around 30-60 minutes.
• You may need assistance to come home so better to bring someone with you.
• Driving should be avoided after colonoscopy.
• Prefer to take rest for whole day.
• You may be advised to have a few medicines or special diet after the procedure. Follow your doctor’s advice.
• You may feel discomfort in abdomen for a few hours.
• Consult your doctor if you feel tremendous pain or huge bleeding or any other problem.

How do I get the results?

Results are usually given within 15 minutes in form of a detailed report paper. Results may delay depending upon doctor or hospital protocol.

Your doctor may recommend a repeat colonoscopy if –

• Your bowel is not clear of stools because of which proper assessment could not be done.
• Small polyps are seen.
• You are at risk of development of colon cancer (above 50 years of age).

How to assess the results?

Findings would be clearly written on the report. Take the report to your consulting doctor, he’ll read the report and explain you the status. Do not try interpret anything from the report. Let your doctor do this job.

What are the common findings in colonoscopy?

Many abnormalities can be seen during the colonoscopy procedure. A few more frequently found problems are as follows –

• Inflammation and swelling in large intestine and rectum
• Presence of ulcers and abrasions
• Polyps
• Cancers

Colonoscopy can easily detect polyps before they turn into cancer or some other serious condition. Keeping polyps for longer duration is not at all advised. They should be removed as soon as possible to reduce the risk of cancers.

If you have polyp at rectum area it may cause following symptoms –

• It may come out while passing stools
• It may cause bleeding
• It may cause a feeling of blockage at back passage.

These rectal polyps can be easily removed using Kshar Sutra Therapy and is almost painless treatment.

You may consult online here or call/whatsapp on 9818050963 to get further guidance.