Colonoscopy

Prior to your colonoscopy you will have the opportunity to ask the consultant performing the procedure further questions.

You will be asked to lie on your left side with your knees bent. The Endoscopy nurse will stay with you and monitor your blood pressure and oxygen levels throughout the test. You will be given some intravenous pain relief (e.g. Fentanyl) and sedation (Midazolam) through a small needle in your hand or arm.

The consultant will usually perform a brief internal examination with a gloved finger before inserting the flexible tube into your back passage (anus). The tube has to be carefully manoeuvred around the length of the large bowel. There are some naturally occurring bends and negotiating these may be uncomfortable at times. You may need to change position to allow the tube to move around the bowel. Air is passed via the tube into the bowel to help see the lining. This may make you feel bloated and cause some mild wind pains. You may feel as though you want to go to the toilet and you will need to pass wind. This is normal and there is no need to feel embarrassed.

If necessary, small tissue samples called biopsies may be taken painlessly and sent to the laboratory for examination.

A polyp is an abnormal projection of tissue on the lining of the bowel (like a skin tag).  Some polyps are attached to the intestinal wall by a stalk and look like a mushroom, whereas others are flat without a stalk. If a polyp is found, or you are already known to have polyps these are usually removed by the consultant at colonoscopy, depending on size and location as polyps may grow and cause problems later. Most polyps never go on to become a bowel cancer but most bowel cancers come from polyps. Alternatively, the consultant may take some samples for further investigation.

A Polypectomy involves using a high frequency electric current to remove or destroy the polyp. The is all done via the colonoscope and you will be unaware of it.

The examination normally takes approximately 20-40 minutes sometimes longer depending on any treatment required.  At the end of the procedure the colonoscope is gently removed along with as much air as possible. Minor side effects such as retained wind and stomach soreness are quite common and will settle after a few hours. Please be aware that small internal photographs may be taken during the examination and retained in your notes for future information.

It may be that your consultant at the time of your procedure will elect to treat piles (haemorrhoids) if they are present and causing symptoms.  This will be discussed with you prior to your endoscopy.  It is straightforward to treat haemorrhoids at the time of colonoscopy by applying small rubber bands to the haemorrhoids.  At the end of the procedure tiny rubber bands are placed over the haemorrhoids cutting off the blood supply. The haemorrhoids and bands will then fall off in a few days and the wounds usually heal within a couple of weeks. This procedure sometimes produces mild discomfort and bleeding and may need to be repeated for a full effect. Following banding of piles some patients may have the feeling of something in their bottom, this should disappear after a few days. Injection can also be used to help shrivel the haemorrhoids.