Information about colonoscopy at Rowlett
A colonoscopy at Rowlett is an outpatient
procedure in which the inside of the large intestine (colon and rectum) is
examined. A colonoscopy at Rowlett is commonly used to evaluate
gastrointestinal symptoms, such as rectal and intestinal bleeding, or
changes in bowel habits.
A screening colonoscopy at Rowlett is
recommended for anyone 50 years of age and older (45 for African Americans),
and for anyone with parents, siblings, or children with a history of colorectal
cancer or polyps.
What happens before a colonoscopy at Rowlett?
To have a successful colonoscopy at Rowlett,
your bowel must be empty so that your doctor can clearly view the colon. To do this, it is very important to read and
follow all of the instructions given to you at least 2 weeks BEFORE your exam. If
your bowel is not empty, your colonoscopy at Rowlett will not be successful and
may have to be repeated.
You may experience skin irritation around the
anus due to the passage of liquid stools. To prevent and treat skin irritation,
you should:
- Apply vaseline or Desitin ointment to the skin around
the anus before drinking the bowel preparation medications. These products
can be purchased at any drug store.
- Wipe the skin after each bowel movement with disposable
wet wipes instead of toilet paper. These are found in the toilet paper
area of the store.
- Sit in a bathtub filled with
warm water for 10 to 15 minutes after you finish passing a stool.
What happens during a colonoscopy at Rowlett?
During a colonoscopy at Rowlett, an experienced doctor uses a colonoscope (a
long, flexible instrument about 1/2 inch in diameter) to view the lining of the
colon. The colonoscope is inserted into the rectum and advanced through the
large intestine. If necessary during a colonoscopy at Rowlett, small amounts of
tissue can be removed for analysis (a biopsy) and polyps can be identified and entirely removed. In
many cases, a colonoscopy at Rowlett allows accurate diagnosis and treatment of
colorectal problems without the need for a major operation.
- You are asked to wear a hospital gown and an IV will be
started.
- You are given a pain reliever and a sedative
intravenously (in your vein). You will feel relaxed and somewhat drowsy.
- You will lie on your left side, with your knees drawn
up towards your chest.
- A small amount of air is used to expand the colon so
the physician can see the colon walls.
- You may feel mild cramping during the procedure.
Cramping can be reduced by taking slow, deep breaths.
- The colonoscope is slowly withdrawn while the lining of
your bowel is carefully examined.
- The procedure lasts from 30 minutes to 1 hour.
What happens after a colonoscopy at Rowlett?
- You will stay in a recovery room for observation until
you are ready for discharge.
- You may feel some cramping or a sensation of
having gas,
but this quickly passes.
- If sedation has been given, a responsible family member or friend
must drive you home.
- The procedure typically lasts from 30 minutes to 1
hour.
- Avoid alcohol, driving, and operating machinery for 24
hours following the procedure.
- Unless otherwise instructed, you may immediately return
to your normal diet. We recommend you wait until the day after your
procedure to resume normal activities.
- If polyps were removed or a biopsy was taken, the
doctor performing your colonoscopy at Rowlett will tell you when it is safe
to resume taking your blood thinners.
- If a biopsy was taken or a polyp was removed, you may
notice light rectal bleeding for one to two days after the procedure. If
you have a large amount of rectal bleeding, high or
persistent fevers, or severe abdominal pain within the next 2 weeks,
go to your local emergency room and call the physician who performed your
exam.
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