Colonoscopy is a screening procedure that enables the examiner to look inside the large intestine (rectum and colon) for polyps, abnormal areas, tumours or cancer. A colonoscope which a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and lens for viewing, is inserted through the rectum into the colon. The apparatus also has a tool to remove polyps or tissue samples, which are checked under a microscope for signs of cancer or other disease.
This procedure is always conducted on a doctor’s advice. Usually, patients are admitted a day ahead for such procedures, but the unique design and special care for day surgery at Apollo Clinics makes it possible for the patient to undergo this test in a single day without any hassles, which also implies that you can join your family for dinner the same day.
2. Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a screening procedure that enables the examiner to look inside the large
intestine (rectum and colon) for polyps, abnormal areas, tumoursor cancer. A colonoscope
which a thin, tube‐like instrument with a light and lens for viewing, is inserted through the
rectum into the colon. The apparatus also has a tool to remove polyps or tissue samples,
which are checked under a microscope for signs of cancer or other disease.
Why is it done?
9 To check for colorectal cancer or polyps
9 To check for the cause of blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
9 To check for the cause of dark or black stools
9 To check for the cause of chronic diarrhoea
9 To check for the cause of iron deficiency anaemia
9 To check for the cause of sudden, unexplained weight loss
9 To check the colon after abnormal results from a CT scan, MRI, virtual colonoscopy,
stool test, or barium enema
9 To watch or treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
9 To check for the cause of long‐term, unexplained stomach pain
A sigmoidoscopy is often used as a screening procedure for a full colonoscopy.
Preparation
• The colon must be free of solid matter before the test is conducted
• The patients may be asked to follow a low‐ fibre or all liquid diet
• The day before the procedure, the patient is usually given a laxative preparation
• The patient may be asked to skip any paracetamol or paracetamol like products
Colonoscopy is always conducted on a doctor’s advice. Usually, patients are admitted a day
ahead for such procedures, but the unique design and special care for day surgery at Apollo
Clinics makes it possible for the patient to undergo this test in a single day without any
hassles, which also implies that you can join your family for dinner the same day.