Colonoscopy is the passage of a slender, flexible, lighted tube through the rectum for visual inspection of the entire colon. The tip of the scope contains a tiny computer chip enabling the image of the colon to be displayed onto a video screen. Our procedural scheduling staff provides patients with clear, concise instructions before the procedure. Upon arrival to the GI Unit at Doylestown Hospital, patients are placed in a comfortable position on their side and intravenous sedation is given for relaxation and prevention of discomfort. Most patients will doze as the colon is carefully evaluated. The examination usually takes about 20-30 minutes to complete. After an observation period of 30-60 minutes, the patient is discharged. Some patients may notice mild abdominal tenderness and bloating. Because of the intravenous sedation patients should not drive or engage in other potentially hazardous activities for 24 hours.
Colonoscopy may be used to evaluate lower abdominal pain, bleeding, positive Fecal Occult Blood Test or iron deficiency anemia. Colonoscopy is advised for patients with Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease to evaluate the extent of their disease or to determine disease activity. One of the main advantages of colonoscopy is that a biopsy taken of colon tissue can confirm a suspected problem.
It is common for physicians to find small polyps on the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. These polyps are usually benign but can cause problems or bleeding if left in place, so it is wise to have them removed. This is performed at the time of your procedure with the aid of instruments passed through the colonoscope.