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This allows your endoscopist to view the lining of this organ and enables the detection of subtle abnormalities.  \nWhy would I need this procedure?  \nA colonoscopy will help your doctor to find out why you are having symptoms and to make a diagnosis. It will give a clear view of the lining of the bowel and also allow your endoscopist to take tissue samples (biopsies) if necessary. It also allows for the removal of polyps (small wart like lesions that can become cancerous) .  \nWhat are the alternatives to colonoscopy?  \nYou have been referred for colonoscopy because your referring clinician feels this is the best way to investigate your symptoms. You should have been advised that there are less invasive options. You may wish to discuss these options with the referring clinician before you proceed. The other options include:  \nVirtual colonoscopy (also known as CT colonography) -This test involves less intensive bowel preparation and is less invasive than a colonoscopy. A small soft rubber catheter is inserted just inside the rectum and the colon is inflated with gas before a CT scan is carried out. The Radiologist looking at the scan will be able to detect even small abnormalities, such as polyps. This test is less invasive and better tolerated than colonoscopy. However, if any abnormalities are seen, you are likely to need to proceed to colonoscopy to have biopsies taken or to have polyps removed.  \nCT scan-this test is the least invasive option but does not give as much detailed information about the colon as either colonoscopy or virtual colonoscopy. Both forms of CT scanning have the added advantage of giving us information about the other organs in the abdomen and pelvis.  \nWhat are the potential risks and side effects?  \nAlthough there are possible complications to this procedure, serious complications are rare. Risks include:  \n• Perforation-approximately 1 in 1500 procedures. It is possible to damage the lining of the large bowel and make a hole, this can allow the contents of the bowel to escape causing severe inflammation and infection in the abdomen (peritonitis) . If a perforation occurs this can be treated with a course of antibiotics and close observation. Very rarely this will require emergency surgery that can result in a colostomy; this would be reversible in most cases.  \n• Bleeding-approximately 1 in 500 experience bleeding following a diagnostic procedure. Removal of polyps from the wall of the bowel is advised when they are found , this is known as a polypectomy. If left in place these can sometimes develop into cancer if left untreated for a long period. Removing the polyp when it has not become cancerous eliminates this risk, 1 in 250 polyps bleed when removed depending on the size.  \n• Missed pathology- it is possible due to poor bowel preparation or excessive folds in the bowel to miss small polyps and abnormalities.  \n• Adverse effects of medications-Although the dose of sedative used is small, some patients can become over-sedated. This can result in slowing of the breathing. This can be reversed with medication. On rare occasions, patients may have an allergic to the medication used, should this occur the endoscopist would give medication to manage this reaction.  \n• Other Procedures  \n• Haemostasis therapies-treatments used to stop bleeding.  \n• Tattooing-using tattoo ink to make a permanent mark in the bowel so that an identified area can be easily again in future procedures.  \nThe risks of the procedure will be discussed; if you wish to proceed you will be asked to sign a consent form. This confirms that you understand the procedure and want to go ahead with it.  \nWhat should I do before I come into hospital?  \nFor a colonoscopy to be successful, your bowel needs to be completely clear","cbCaigFcFptRK82e","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaigFcFptRK82e","pdf",214935,"English","# What is a colonoscopy?\n# Why would I need this procedure?\n# Alternatives to colonoscopy\n# Potential risks and side effects\n# Other related procedures\n# What should I do before I come into hospital?\n# Will I need conscious sedation?","[{\"question\":\"What happens during a colonoscopy?\",\"answer\":\"A flexible tube with a camera is passed through the rectum to view the lining of the large bowel. The clinician can detect subtle abnormalities and may take tissue samples if needed.\"},{\"question\":\"What are the main alternatives to colonoscopy?\",\"answer\":\"Alternatives include virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography) and CT scanning. Virtual colonoscopy is less invasive, but if abnormalities are found you may still need a standard colonoscopy for biopsies or polyp removal.\"},{\"question\":\"What preparation is needed before coming to hospital?\",\"answer\":\"The bowel must be cleared of waste using a strong laxative with instructions on diet and fluid intake. The guide advises avoiding seeds for 7 days, starting a low-fibre diet 5 days before, and adjusting medicines such as stopping iron 7 days prior; diabetes and blood thinners should be discussed with the Endoscopy Unit.\"}]","Having a Colonoscopy | PDF",1790530993,13]