If you have a personal or family history of adenoma or colon cancer, your doctor may refer you for colonoscopy. You may also be referred to undergo colonoscopy following an abnormal fecal immunochemical test. In both situations, the procedure will be discussed to you thoroughly.
A long, thin, and flexible tube called endoscope, with a small camera at the tip, is usually inserted into the colon through the anus. This is part of the colonoscopy screening. Singapore, just like any other developed country, has many highly experienced colonoscopy doctors that perform this safe procedure.
What is Colonoscopy?
Considered the most accurate test for colon cancer and rectum, a colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure to examine your colon lining by inserting an endoscope into your large bowel to look for any signs of abnormalities in your colon or rectum.
It’s the primary method of testing for colorectal cancer. The procedure is also used to remove small pieces of tissue for analysis. This is done in case your doctor suspects that tissue is diseased or cancerous.
Is a Colonoscopy Painful?
Colonoscopy is most often performed when you are under sedation. You may feel slight discomfort such as abdominal bloating during the procedure but it will not be painful. You will wake up after the colonoscopy is completed.
The most uncomfortable part of colonoscopy is the bowel cleansing before colonoscopy. You will have to drink a special solution which flushes out your colon. You may go to pass stools up to 10 times before colonoscopy. However, this is not painful and is very different from the discomfort you experience if you have food poisoning. It is important for your colon to be very clean so that the endoscopist can accurately assess your colon.
Who Needs a Colonoscopy?
In general, people should go for a colonoscopy if:
- 1. They have experienced colorectal cancer symptoms such as the following:
- Abdominal pain
- Changes in bowel habits or movements
- A positive result for Faecal ImmunochemicalTest
- Anal bleeding
- Unexplained or sudden weight loss
- 2. Aged 50 years old and above.
- 3. There is a family history of polyps or colorectal cancer.
How to Prepare for a Colonoscopy?
First and foremost, it is of significant importance to clear your colon of solid waste materials before the diagnostic procedure. An uncleared colon may result in obstruction from getting a clear view. This may lead to the rescheduling of your colonoscopy.
Before your colonoscopy, you should fast for at least 6 hours. You can drink water or other clear fluids up to 2 hours before the test. However, you must not drink milk or Milo during the fasting period.
A medication commonly known as bowel preparation will be given to you before the procedure. Be sure to follow the given instructions carefully. Generally, except for diabetes medication and blood thinners, most medication can be continued before the colonoscopy. However, it would be best if you consult your doctor to ask about it.
As a reminder, you should refrain from driving, working, or making any significant decision after the colonoscopy since you will be sedated to make you comfortable during the entire procedure.
If you are a pregnant woman, you must inform your doctor so he can advise on the proper preparation.
What are the Risks of a Colonoscopy?
Although colonoscopy is a safe method, there are situations where complications may happen. It is worth knowing about the different issues one might encounter as part of the risk of a colonoscopy. Your doctor will explain the risks to you before the procedure.
There is a small percentage of individuals who may experience mild abdominal pain that may last for about 24 hours after colonoscopy. As you doctor will pump some air into your colon during colonoscopy, you may pass more wind after the procedure for the first 24 hours.
You may also experience the following risks and side effects:
- Internal bleeding caused by the removal of a polyp or tissue
- Possible reaction to sedatives or anesthesia
- Perforation of your colon – this is a very rare but catastrophic complication for which urgent surgical repair is required
Final Thoughts
When you have reached the age of 50, colonoscopy screening is highly recommended. If the procedure turns out to be negative from adenomas or cancer, the next test can be taken in ten years. However, if at least one low-risk adenoma is removed, colonoscopy should be conducted earlier. The best thing is to ask your doctor about when and how often you should have a colonoscopy.
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