Colonoscopy and Rectoscopy

The endoscope is a flexible probe that is associated with a video camera and that is connected to a monitor and / or a computer on which the images obtained during the study are projected or saved.

When a study of the entire large intestine is carried out, we speak of colonoscopy or lower digestive endoscopy. When a study is carried out only of the final portion of the large intestine (rectum and chasm) we speak of rectoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.

How is the study done?

The colonoscopy is performed in the Radiology Unit of the medical center or hospital by the doctor or qualified personnel.

The patient must undress from the waist down, a gown or sheet will be provided to cover them. You will lie on your side with your legs bent toward your abdomen throughout the study. The doctor will perform a manual examination of the rectum and then proceed to place the colonoscope through the anal sphincter. It will breathe a certain amount of air into the intestine to promote the advancement of the colonoscope and allow the visualization of its interior. During the study, secretions (aspirate) or tissues (biopsy) can be taken if necessary. Once the study is finished, the colonoscope will be removed.

A lubricating substance can be used to facilitate entry of the colonoscope and a sedative can be administered to minimize discomfort caused by the presence of intestinal air.

The study usually lasts 15 minutes.

Preparation for the study

For a correct visualization of the radiological images, the digestive tract cleansing; For this, the patient must follow a specific diet and use an over-the-counter evacuating solution in pharmacies. In general, the patient should follow the following recommendations:

• Two days prior to the study the patient should start a diet low in residues (fiber) avoiding taking potatoes, vegetables or fruits. In general, you can follow a diet with: filtered vegetable broth, tapioca, rice and pasta, lean meats, cooked without fat, liver, white fish, cooked without fat or grilled, hard cheeses, filtered orange juices, biscuits, cookies , honey and jelly, butter, raw in a small quantity, coffee, tea and light herbal teas, still water.
• The previous night the study can only ingest liquids.
• Between 10 and 15 hours before the study the patient should take an evacuating solution following the recommendations of the package insert; previously you should avoid taking any solid food 4 hours prior at the beginning of taking the solution.

Sometimes, if a correct cleaning is not achieved with the use of the evacuating solution (elimination of clear liquid rectally) it will be necessary to use cleaning enemas following the instructions in the package, until a correct cleaning of the digestive tract is achieved.

The patient can take his usual medication during the preparation for the study unless contraindicated.

During and after the study

On the day of the examination, the patient cannot eat solid food; he can have sugary tea or coffee for breakfast.

The patient can lead a normal life at the end of the study. The intake of abundant fluids is recommended to promote a rapid elimination of the contrast.

What does it feel like during and after the study?

Colonoscopy is not a painful test but it is uncomfortable for the patient. Manual rectal examination may be perceived as unpleasant by the patient. During and after the study, abdominal discomfort from mild to severe as well as intestinal cramps due to the presence of the insufflated air. These discomforts can be minimized with the use of sedatives, analgesics or antispasmodics. Mild rectal bleeding or stool bleeding may occur after examination.

Study risks

Colonoscopy is a safe diagnostic test, although some patients may present:

• allergy to the drug used during the examination
• Bloating or abdominal pain due to insufflated air during the examination
• Rectal bleeding (when some type of surgery is done during the scan)
• Bowel perforation and / or peritonitis (when some type of surgery is performed during the examination)
• Cardiorespiratory arrest (exceptional complication in patients with previous pulmonary or cardiac disease)

The patient should consult with his doctor in the case of presenting fever, severe abdominal pain or significant loss of blood through the anus in the hours or days after the study is carried out.

Study contraindications

The patient must inform their doctor before the study is carried out in case of:

• Lung or heart disease
• Taking medication
• Coagulation disorders
• Pregnancy.

Reasons why the study is carried out:

• Colonoscopy is a safe and widely used test in the field of Medicine.
• It is used as a diagnostic and treatment tool.
• At a diagnostic level, it allows detecting and / or ruling out inflammatory or infectious lesions of the intestinal mucosa, benign tumor lesions (such as polyps) or malignant tumor lesions such as (ulcers, carcinomas ...), and so on.
• At a therapeutic level, it allows the taking of biopsies, the removal of lesions (such as polyps) or treating processes of intestinal semi-obstruction due to the presence of scars, fecalomas or narrowing in the intestinal lumen, and so on.

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