Colonoscopy
Introduction
It is a nonsurgical procedure to examine the digestive tract. It uses a long flexible tube with a light and camera on one end, with this it is possible to have high quality images of rectum and colon.
Features
Colonoscopy is a type of endoscopy that examines the lower part of your digestive tract that includes the rectum and large intestine (colon).
Indications and procedures
- Indications- Changes in bowel habits (chronic constipation or diarrhoea), Polyps or pedunculated growths in the colon.
- Procedures-To examine the colon, it must be cleared of stool. Therefore, a laxativeis given to the patient, this procedure is usually done under sedation administered via an injection into the vein. In case of complex procedures and in very young children, general anaesthesia is given.
Advantages
It helps in the diagnosis and early identification of mucosal disorders of the GI tract