Why is this procedure done?
The colon, or large intestine, is a long, hollow tube at the end of your digestive tract. It absorbs water from solid waste and changes it from liquid to a solid bowel movement. A polyp is a growth of extra tissue that is not normally there. Most colon polyps are not cancer, but some polyps may turn into cancer. The doctor takes the polyps out and sends them to the lab for a check to make sure there is no cancer. ‚
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What will the results be?
The polyps are taken out and sent for more tests. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- The colon needs to be cleaned out before this test. Your doctor will tell you to take drugs that will cause watery loose stools. These may be liquids, pills, or both.
- You will be placed on a clear liquid diet the day before the exam. Do not drink alcohol.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight or after the time your doctor tells you.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor may order:
- Tests for your stool
- X-rays or CT scan
- A test used to see inside your colon. This is a colonoscopy.
What happens during the procedure?
- Your doctor will give you drugs to help you relax. You will lie on your side with your knees bent and drawn up toward your chest.
- The doctor will use a small thin tube with a light and a camera on it. This is will be put gently into your anus. The doctor will move it through your rectum and into the bowel.
- Small amounts of air are put into your colon. The camera lets your doctor look at the lining of your colon.
- You may feel some pressure in your belly or feel the nurse pressing on your belly during the test.
- The doctor will guide the tool through your colon and look at all areas that may have any polyps.
- Your doctor may take a small tissue sample. Small growths may also be removed during the procedure.
- The tube is then taken out from your bowel.
- The procedure may take 30 to 45 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- If tissue was taken out, it will be sent to a lab to be checked. Your doctor will tell you the results after a week or two.
- You can go home after your procedure.
- A small amount of bleeding may happen during the first few days after your procedure.
What care is needed at home?
Follow your doctors instructions when you return home. These may include: ‚
- Continue taking your regular drugs.
- Go back to your normal diet unless your doctor has told you to make some changes in your diet.
- Rest
- Avoid driving for the first 24 hours after the procedure.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor will tell you about your results. Some polyps may not be removed and more surgery may be needed. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Injury inside your colon
- Bleeding
- Hole in the colon
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, anal itching or pain.
- Bleeding from rectum that gets worse
- Belly becomes swollen and sore
- Nausea and throwing up continues after you return home
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Where can I learn more?
American Gastroenterological Association ‚
http://www.gastro.org/patient-center/procedures/AGAPatientBrochure_Colonoscopy.pdf ‚
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy ‚
http://www.asge.org/patients/patients.aspx?id=396 ‚
American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons ‚
http://www.fascrs.org/patients/conditions/polyps_of_the_colon_and_rectum/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚