Lower Endoscopy - Lower GI - Colonoscopy Procedure - PreOp® Patient Education

Lower Endoscopy - Lower GI - Colonoscopy Procedure - PreOp® Patient Education - https://preop.com/preop/colonoscopy/

What is a Colonoscopy or Lower Endoscopy?

Your doctor has recommended that you have a Colonoscopy, also called a lower endoscopy. It is a procedure to examine your colon.



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Now let’s look closer at the colonoscopy procedure. 

* To start you will be positioned comfortably.

* You will be given medication to help you relax or sleep during the procedure.

* A well lubricated scope is gently placed in your rectum.

Using the light and camera lens of the scope to see, your doctor guides the scope to reach the other end of your colon.

You may feel some pressure or tugging, but you shouldn't feel pain.

The entire inside of the colon is carefully inspected.

Individual colon polyps if found, may be removed for testing.

If a mass or lesion is seen, it may be painlessly biopsied or removed using a tool through the scope.

After the entire colon has been examined the scope is removed and the procedure is complete.

After surgery “speak-up” and tell your care-team if you have more than expected pain or problems.

You may feel awake quickly.

* However the anesthesia medications will affect you for the first day. 

* During the first 24 hours after the procedure do not drive or operate machinery. 

* You will need a ride home.

* Plan to rest for the remainder of the day.

* Do not make important decisions and do not drink

After the colonoscopy you may have gas pain from air in your colon. Relaxing on your side in bed or taking a warm shower may help you to pass any gas.

You may see a small amount of blood in your stool for a few days if biopsies were done.

Rarely serious problems can happen such as a tear or injury to the colon. Bleeding or infection may result.

Call your doctor to be seen if you have a fever, worsening abdominal pain or have bleeding from your rectum that doesn’t stop.

Hospital admission, medication or surgery may be needed to fix some complications.

To avoid cancellation or complications from anesthesia or your procedure, your job as the patient is to

* not eat, drink or chew gum after midnight, the night before the procedure unless you are given different instructions

* take only medications you were told to on the morning of the procedure with a sip of water

* follow instructions regarding aspirin and blood thinners before surgery,  as you may be asked to stop or continue taking them depending on your situation,

* and arrive on time.



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You should be ready to verify or confirm your list of medical problems and surgeries, all of your medications, including vitamins and supplements, your current smoking, alcohol and drug use and all allergies, especially to medications, latex and tape.

Before you have this procedure it is your job to speak up and ask if you still have questions about why it is recommended for you, the risks and alternatives.  Also understand the risk of not having the procedure.

This video is intended as a tool to help you to better understand the procedure that you are scheduled to have or are considering.  It is not intended to replace any discussion, decision making or advice of your physician.



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