Colonoscopy is a safe test, with few complications
Written by:¿What is colonoscopy
?
It is an imaging technique by specialists of Gastroenterology used to explore the large intestine and the end of the small intestine ( ileum ).
¿We could describe the procedure
?
It involves inserting into the anus a thin flexible tube at its distal end has a camera ( endoscope) and to see the images on a television monitor. Sprinting fasting and prepared the waiting room endoscopy, should bring read and signed the consent previously given ( fact sheet on aspects of the test ), and if I have questions may ask for clarifications.
¿What requirements must the patient to submit to it
?
Indicated as diseases affecting the large intestine is suspected. Lets see not only injuries but also take biopsies (tissue samples ) and perform local treatments such as removing polyps, dilate narrowed areas, stop bleeding, and remove foreign bodies. To perform a colonoscopy, the patient must make a liquid diet the day before the test and eat a special cleaning solution ( that will produce diarrhea and sometimes nausea - vomiting ) according to the indications made by your physician, since it is necessary to clean the colon of stool for correct visualization of the mucosa; why sometimes the placement of enemas also indicated. The day of the test, should come fasting. You should tell the doctor that you take the test if you have any drug allergies, you have a disease and the medication you take, especially anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents.
¿What are the risks of intervention
?
It is a safe test, and the few complications, especially if the test is only diagnosed;are greater if treatments are applied. Possible major complications include: bleeding is usually minimal and can occur up to several days later;drilling may require surgery (rare complication ); adverse reactions to drugs administered;and complications of the underlying disease (cardiac or pulmonary ), which can even lead to cardiac arrest (very rare complication ).
¿What signs should follow the patient after referral to the intervention
?
After completing the test, may leave after receiving the report of the outcome of the proceedings and make their usual activities. If the test was under sedation, previously remain in a recovery room until most of the sedative effects disappear, and MUST NOT engage in risk in 12 hours. It may take a few days to make deposition because the colon is cleansed after preparation made , so it should not take laxatives. If the procedure after noticing abdominal pain that does not accede to their usual pain relievers, fever or expulsion of blood from the anus should go to the ER.
