Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure for the lower intestinal tract. This requires a cleansing of the intestines by drinking a special oral solution. With the help of an endoscope the mucosa of the large intestine (colon) and the lower end of the small intestine (terminal ileum) is inspected.
Special tools that slide through the endoscope allow the doctor to perform various additional procedures. Biopsies can be taken from the mucosa for microscopic examination. Polyps can be removed using a snare polypectomy.
The examination is performed under sedation, allowing the patient to be pain free. After the colonoscopy the patient can normally resume eating and drinking immediately.
When should a colonoscopy be performed?
→ for preventative care, in case of blood in the stool, changes in bowel movements, chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and for patients with family risk factors.