The Colonoscopy Procedure

Does A Colonoscopy Hurt?

Reasons for a colonoscopy A colonoscopy procedure is a colon exam your doctor will recommend if you're middle-aged, or there's some reason to believe you cay be at risk for colon cancer.

The good news is, a colonoscopy procedure is generally a defensive measure. Your doctor is likely to recommend a colon exam-- even if you have no colon cancer symptoms--if you are past a certain age or have a history of colon cancer in your family.

Colon cancer is often called the "cancer no one talks about" because most people find the bowels to be an unpleasant subject. Plus, colon cancer has very few symptoms in the early stages, when it is relatively easy to treat. As it advances to later stages, treatment options become fewer, and mortality rates rise.

So it's important to find out if you have colon cancer as soon as possible. A colonoscopy procedure is designed to determine

• if there is any cancer present in your colon or rectum,
• if there are any growths known as polyps (see the picture, right) present that may eventually become cancerous,
• if there is abnormal tissue in your colon that should be removed.

A colonoscopy procedure is considered the most reliable way to determine if the colon and rectum are healthy and free of abnormalities.

Getting a colonoscopy There are some specific steps you must take to prepare for a colonoscopy, but once you're in the operating room and ready for the procedure, here's what happens.

The doctor will insert a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope into the rectum. The tube has a tiny video camera attached to the front. The doctor manipulates the tube and the camera through the rectum and the colon, examining the walls and the insides of the organs along the way.

Abnormal tissue and polyps can be removed as the doctor encounters them. It's also possible to take tissue samples, known as biopsies, at the same time.

Colonoscopy procedure risks Through recent years, medical professionals have developed technology and techniques that make a colonoscopy extremely safe. Rarely however, there may be complications involving

• an adverse reaction to the sedative which is used during the procedure,
• a tear in the rectum or colon wall, or
• bleeding where abnormal tissue or biopsies has been taken, or a polyp has been removed.

Colonoscopy sedation: does a colonoscopy hurt? Since a sedative is used, most people report little pain or discomfort during a colonoscopy. But some do. Talk to your doctor about your concerns.

There are many discussion forums available on the Internet where colonoscopy "veterans" describe their experiences. You can do a search by putting keywords like "colonoscopy pain," or "does a colonoscopy hurt?" into the search box. You'll find plenty to read.

What should you expect after your colon exam? Again, most people feel little discomfort during or after the procedure, but there are exceptions.

Usually, the sedative begins to wear off in about an hour, but it will take a full day before you're completely back to normal.

These days, a colonoscopy doesn't require a hospital stay. You go home shortly after the procedure. But you shouldn't drive yourself because of the after effects of the sedative. It's best if you plan to relax for the rest of the day.

It's relatively common to feel somewhat bloated and "gassy" after a colonoscopy. You may even see a small amount of blood in your first bowel movement. This is not a cause for alarm.

However, you should talk to your doctor if:

• you continue to see blood in your stool,
• you notice blood clots,
• you experience abdomen pain, or
• you develop a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 centigrade) or higher.

Your doctor will review the results of your colon exam and share them with you at the appropriate time.

Click on American Cancer Society's Complete Guide to Colorectal Cancer to go to Amazon.com's product information page for this book.