Service details
Procedure details and treatment flow
Colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure that enables a detailed view of the interior of the entire large intestine and the final part of the small intestine.
This intervention is performed with a special endoscopic instrument - a colonoscope.
A colonoscope takes the form of a flexible, long tube that is equipped with a video camera at the very tip, which gives the doctor a clear image of the inside of the intestine on a screen.
Colonoscopy is primarily performed in order to diagnose various conditions. It is most often used to detect inflammation of the colon mucosa, diverticulosis and various tumors.
Important note: In Serbia, as in most developed countries, colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer and the second most common cause of death from malignant diseases.
However, it is a disease that can be successfully prevented. Most world associations advise preventive examinations (screening) starting at the age of 50.
If there is information about this cancer in the immediate family, screening is recommended from the age of 40.
Symptoms and early detection
Symptoms that suggest potential colon cancer include occult (occult) or visible (manifest) bleeding.
In addition to bleeding, patients often notice changes in bowel movements, abdominal pain, and anemia.
However, it is extremely important to point out that in the early stages of the disease very often there are absolutely no symptoms.
The fact that one quarter (25%) of patients have a positive family history of colon cancer is worrying. Of that number, more than half of the cases were recorded in first-degree relatives.
For this very reason, colonoscopy is the safest and most reliable way to detect initial changes in the intestines, long before the serious stage of cancer develops.
When these changes are detected in time, at an early stage, there is a possibility of almost complete healing of the patient.
Preparation for colonoscopy
In order for the examination to be carried out successfully and precisely, the large intestine must be completely free of intestinal contents.
This is achieved by the use of adequate laxatives and strict adherence to the prescribed diet.
In most cases, preparation begins 24 hours before the scheduled examination. In specific situations, the preparation may be prolonged or must be performed in hospital conditions under the supervision of staff.
Use of Fortrans powder:
As a drug for preparation, Fortrans powder is most often used, as follows:
1. Step (10:00 a.m.): Dissolve 2 sachets of powder in 2 liters of water and start drinking. Drink this amount over the next 2 to 2.5 hours. Discharge usually starts 1-2 hours later.
2. Step (18:00 in the evening): Dissolve another 2 sachets of powder in another 2 liters of water. Drink in the same way, during the next 2 to 2.5 hours.
Diet during preparation:
The diet recommendation is exclusively the intake of non-alcoholic clear drinks, which includes:
- Clear homemade soups
- Clear fruit juices
- Teas and plain water
Tip: Plan your commitments carefully. It is necessary to be at home, near the toilet, on the day of the preparation.
Examination course and application of anesthesia
Colonoscopy is performed by carefully placing the colonoscope through the colon. The doctor follows the entire colon, up to the junction of the colon and the small intestine.
The examination itself is basically not painful, but may be accompanied by a feeling of discomfort and bloating.
That is why the application of short-term general anesthesia (analgosedation) is increasingly recommended today. This makes the procedure very comfortable and completely safe for the patient, because he sleeps through the intervention itself.
If you decide on analgosedation, you must not eat or drink anything for 4 hours before this procedure.
You can take your regular chronic therapy at the usual time, with a minimal amount of water (just one sip).
It is important to note that patients who regularly use drugs for blood sugar regulation, anticoagulant therapy, aspirin, bruphene or diclofene must consult a doctor about adjusting the dose before performing the procedure.
Possible complications and recovery
Modern medicine and equipment have made colonoscopy a highly safe, routine procedure.
Complications are extremely rare today. If they do occur, they most often include minor injuries to the intestinal wall with the instrument, mild bleeding at the site where the biopsy was taken, or an allergic reaction to the given anesthetic.
Before the examination, the doctor who performs the intervention will inform you in detail about the course of the procedure and your individual risk, after which you sign the consent to work.
After completing the examination, it is important to know the following:
- If the procedure was performed under general anesthesia, it is not recommended to do heavy work or drive a car for the next 24 hours. That is why it is advisable to provide an escort to the house.
- It's normal to feel bloated and need to pass gas. This feeling passes by itself a few hours after the intervention.
- Teas and water can be drunk after 2 hours of waking up, after which you can gradually resume eating lighter, mushy food.