What is a Colonoscopy Test: Procedure, Uses and Risks

A Colonoscopy test examines your bowel or large intestine, including the colon. The test is extremely helpful in diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases and cancer of the colon. 

If taken at the intervals prescribed by your healthcare provider, the test might also help you prevent colon cancer. The following sections mention all about the test, its procedure, how you should prepare for it and more. Read on.

Colonoscopy is a form of endoscopy which uses a thin tube with a lit camera inserted into your body as the instrument. There are different types of colonoscopy tests for different parts of your body. 

During the test, the colonoscope is relayed into your colon via the anus and rectum. It then transfers images of your big intestine's inside to a screen for projections.

The first step towards colonoscopy prep is keeping an empty colon. You may have to fast for some time or use laxatives. 

The following steps detail the preparation tips for a colonoscopy test:

• Eat light three or four days before your test. In this regard, doctors generally recommend low-fibre food that is light for the stomach and easy to digest.
• Your doctor will recommend you not eat anything solid one day before your test. You will be allowed to consume only clear fluids. During this time, you need to stay hydrated.
• The night before your colonoscopy test, your doctor might recommend you to take laxatives to clear your digestive tract. 

The entire colonoscopy test procedure takes 15 to 20 minutes. It is performed through the following steps:

• You'll put on a hospital gown just before your colonoscopy. The majority of people take sedatives and painkillers. Usually, this takes the form of supervised anaesthesia, though lighter forms of sedation might be provided with your doctor's approval and upon request.
• You'll be advised to lie on your side on a comfortable exam table throughout the process. To better view your colon, your doctor could have you stand with your legs close to your chest.
• Next, the doctor will guide the colonoscope into your rectum and anus, and colon. There is also a camera on the other end of the colonoscope that helps transmit the imaging
• After positioning the colonoscopy, your doctor will put carbon dioxide into your colon for a better view
• Your healthcare professional may also remove a tissue from the area for further examination

If you are wondering what a colonoscopy test is, know that the procedure can be undertaken mainly to detect colon cancer. However, it can also help diagnose other health issues. Some common reasons behind this procedure include:

• Search for indications of cancer and other issues.
• investigate the reason for any sudden changes in bowel habits.
• Determine the cause of unexplained weight loss, persistent constipation, or diarrhoea and assess the symptoms of stomach pain or bleeding

The frequency of the colonoscopy procedure varies from one person to another. However, the American College of Physicians recommends undergoing this procedure once every ten years if you fall under this category:

• You are between 50 and 75 years old.
• Your family has a history of colorectal cancer.
• You have a life expectancy of 10 years at least.

On the other hand, the British Medical Journal recommends undergoing this procedure once for individuals who:

• Fall between the age bracket of 50 to 79 years.
• Are at a risk of colorectal cancer.
• Present with chances of having colon cancer in the next 15 years.

Any complications or risks due to the procedure are very unlikely. However, you may present with the following symptoms:

• A tear in your colon wall, for example
• Bleeding out of control after tissue removal
• Infection that calls for medication
• Strange responses to the anaesthesia

Following your operation, you will be advised to spend the first hour in the medical facility for recovery from the anaesthesia. Your medical team will keep an eye out for any indicators of difficulties and continue to check your vital signs. 

Your doctor will also review any procedures they conducted and any findings they made during the examination after you wake up. A formal report will also be sent to you by mail or email. You'll receive the test findings a bit later if they collected a tissue sample for a biopsy.

Typically, the anaesthesia takes around 24 hours to wear off after the colonoscopy test. It is advised to listen to your healthcare professional carefully and follow the steps carefully. Further, note that you may feel gassy and have a bit of bloating and nausea for a few hours after the test.