what are they looking for with a colonoscopy?

annecolorgreen · 09-08-2008, 11:05 AM

Hi!

I don't think my doctor requires it, but does anyone know what they are looking for when they do a colonoscopy? I understand the upper-GI.

Thanks,

Anne

PSJ71 · 09-08-2008, 11:23 AM

Hi Anne,

Basically what they look for during a colonoscopy are any types of irregularities in your large intestinal tract, such as polyps, cancer, diverticulosis, ulcers, or if there is any bleeding in there. You are pretty much sedated for the procedure, and I have actually heard the worst part is the preparation you have to do before the procedure, but I am thankful we have such great procedures to detect things these days. However, I have never had to undergo one yet. Hope this helps! :)

joedecker · 09-08-2008, 03:36 PM

As the previous poster stated, cancer, other GI problems, and polyps--some kinds of polyps can precede cancer, a colonoscopy can find those and be a part of getting polyps removed before they become cancerous.

As the previous poster said, the worst part of the procedure, and it really isn't that bad compared to colon cancer, is the preparation, the gallon or so of TriLyte.

The other thing to know about colonoscopies is that they're often done using Versed or other drugs that induce "conscious sedation". These drugs leave many (most?) patients having amnesia about the procedure itself, and this gives some patients concern. It doesn't concern me, but it does concern me if people aren't notified that this is a likely side-effect of the anesthesia they're given.

Three of my four grandparents ended up having colon cancer at one point or another, compared to that, any procedure would be easy. (And this one really isn't bad.)

Best of luck!

--j

nancy104 · 09-08-2008, 04:01 PM

I am going for my endoscopy & colonscopy tomorrow. I figured since I was going to be under anyway.... My husband went thru it a few months ago & he doesn't remember anything.

slim-n-tn · 09-08-2008, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joedecker

As the previous poster stated, cancer, other GI problems, and polyps--some kinds of polyps can precede cancer, a colonoscopy can find those and be a part of getting polyps removed before they become cancerous.

As the previous poster said, the worst part of the procedure, and it really isn't that bad compared to colon cancer, is the preparation, the gallon or so of TriLyte.

The other thing to know about colonoscopies is that they're often done using Versed or other drugs that induce "conscious sedation". These drugs leave many (most?) patients having amnesia about the procedure itself, and this gives some patients concern. It doesn't concern me, but it does concern me if people aren't notified that this is a likely side-effect of the anesthesia they're given.

Three of my four grandparents ended up having colon cancer at one point or another, compared to that, any procedure would be easy. (And this one really isn't bad.)

Best of luck!

--j

I was lucky when I had my procedure. I didn't have to drink the gallon of icky stuff. Instead, I had a total of 28 laxative pills that I took over the course of 2 days with a clear liquid diet. The pills didn't irritate my stomach or anything. I think if you ask for the pill prep instead, they will give you that option.