Ileocolonoscopy (colonoscopy)
It is an endoscopic examination of the colon, and if necessary, of the lower part of the small intestine (terminal ileum). Amongst others, it is applied for:
- diagnostics and progress control of acute or chronic intestinal inflammations
- precaution and follow-up treatment of tumours
- removal of polyps
- haemostasis in case of bleeding due to different causes in the colon through injections, Hemoclip (blood vessel clamps), argon plasma jet (scabbing)
- bouginage or balloon dilatation (stretching techniques) of the occlusions e.g. in case of chronic inflammatory intestinal disease
- Chromoendoscopy in case of suspecting mucosal changes (spray application of dyes for a better representation) for identification and differentiation of early stages of cancer.
What does the examination look like and what should I pay attention to?
During colonoscopy, the whole large intestine is examined. For this reason, it should be cleaned before that. A patient should abstain from taking in grains (e.g. wholemeal bread or rolls, cereals) for about three days before the planned procedure. As a rule, real laxative measures will be taken in the afternoon the day before the procedure. Your general practitioner will prescribe you the corresponding laxative or you will receive it from us. It will be explained to you in detail, how to take it. Your general practitioner should inform you about the procedure itself and possible risks, especially, about removal of polyps (with a declaration of consent). We are also pleased to be at your disposal if needed.
In view of a possible sedative injection, you should observe fasting rules for about 6 hours, whereas you are allowed to drink a glass of water after getting up in the morning.
As a rule, a colonoscopy lasts 15-20 minutes, whereas the procedure can take longer, if there are some polyps to be removed. That is why it is recommended that your general practitioner get your blood count and blood coagulation measured beforehand and you bring these values to the procedure.
In order to perform tissue sampling and removal of polyps in the safest way possible, it is necessary to stop taking medication, impairing blood coagulation (e.g. Aspirin-containing preparations, Plavix, Mascumar), 5-7 days before the procedure. Your physician and we as well (especially with Marcumar patients) will be pleased to answer any of your questions.
Optionally, the procedure can be performed with the so-called sedative injection. The patient will sleep during the procedure and then he can rest in the recovery room. Because of the special medication (propofol), there is no long after-effect, as with valium related preparations. However, for legal reasons, you are not allowed to drive a car for 24 hours after the injection.
