A colonoscopy can save your life

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure in which the inside of the large intestine is examined. It is performed under sedation. A colonoscopy enables the surgeon to see abnormalities like tumour, polyps, ulcers, inflammation, bleeding and diverticulosis. This procedure is commonly used to screen for colon cancer.

Why should I get one?

In Malaysia, colon cancer is the second most common cancer (NSR 2005). In nearly all cases, colon cancer starts as a pre cancerous growth in the colon called an adenomatous polyp, which usually doesn't cause symptoms. This is why it is important to have regular screenings. A colonoscopy detects polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer and cause symptoms. It has been shown that colon cancer deaths are declining due to screening.

Who is it for?

In Malaysia, it is recommended to start screening at the age of 40. Some people should begin screening earlier if they have any of the following:

               1. Personal history of cancer or precancerous colon polyps (adenomas)

               2. Relatives with colon cancer or adenomatous polyps

               3. History of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)       

               4. Family history of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis 

                   colon cancer (HNPCC)

What happens during a colonoscopy?

During colonoscopy, the surgeon uses a colonoscope (long, flexible instrument) to view the lining of the colon. The scope is inserted through the rectum and advanced through the large intestine. Small amount of tissue can be removed for analysis (called a biopsy) if necessary, and polyps can be identified and removed. In many cases, colonoscopy allows accurate diagnosis and treatment without the need for a major operation.

What are the benefits of a colonoscopy?

The main benefit of a colonoscopy is that it detects and removes polyps before they can turn into cancer. Colonoscopies also can find colorectal cancer early. If cancer is detected and found early, 90 percent of these cases are curable.

What about the preparation?

To complete a successful colonoscopy, the bowel must be clean so that the surgeon can clearly view the colon. You will need to drink a bowel preparation to clean the bowel. Fortunately, today’s

bowel preparation is simpler than ever before. Without proper preparation, the colonoscopy will not be successful and may have to be repeated.

Can it be too painful – or even risky?
About 99 percent of patients should be able to be adequately sedated through conscious sedation
to be comfortable during their colonoscopy. Most patients don’t even remember the exam! 
When performed by specially trained professionals, colonoscopies are safe. The risk of perforation is less than 1 in 1,000 cases, and the risk of bleeding is less than 1 percent.

Source: Cleveland Clinic Florida