What is colonoscopy?
What is colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is a diagnostic medical procedure in which a doctor examines the inside of the large intestine (colon) and rectum.
The procedure is performed using a colonoscope, a thin and flexible tube equipped with a small camera and light at its tip, allowing for a detailed inspection of the intestinal lining.
Colonoscopy is essential for the early detection of serious gastrointestinal diseases and is an indispensable diagnostic procedure for maintaining the health of the digestive system.
Before the procedure, thorough preparation is essential. This includes eating light food or only liquids and taking laxatives to completely cleanse the bowel. On the day of the examination, the patient receives a mild sedative to reduce discomfort.
During the procedure, which usually lasts between 20 and 45 minutes, the doctor gently inserts the colonoscope through the rectum and advances it through the large intestine, while introducing air to provide a better view of the intestinal wall.
If necessary, polyps can be removed or tissue samples taken for further analysis during the examination. Occasionally, bloating or mild cramps may occur due to the air introduced into the intestine.
Sedation:
The medication helps you relax, makes you drowsy, and reduces pain. You are sleepy but not completely unconscious.
Anesthesia:
You are completely unconscious and feel nothing. Deeper sleep-inducing drugs are used compared to sedation.
Colonoscopy is the most effective method for the early detection of colorectal cancer, as it allows for the identification and immediate removal of precancerous changes (polyps) before cancer develops.
Bolezni, ki jih odkrivamo s kolonoskopijo
Bolezni, ki jih odkrivamo s kolonoskopijo
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Colorectal cancer
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Intestinal polyps (precancerous changes)
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Inflammatory bowel diseases:
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Crohn’s disease
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Ulcerative colitis
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Diverticulosis and diverticulitis
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Ischemic colitis (damage due to reduced blood flow)
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Hemorrhoids (although usually diagnosed with anoscopy)
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Intestinal infections (e.g., Clostridium difficile colitis)
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Colorectal strictures (narrowing)
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Angiodysplasia (abnormal blood vessels that may bleed)
Prevention for better health
Prevention for better health
It is important to follow the instructions of your gastroenterologist. At the same time, pay attention to your bowel health — if you notice changes in your bowel movements (such as alternating constipation and diarrhea, very thin stools, bloating, abdominal pain, or blood in the stool), consult your primary care physician as soon as possible. Even minor changes can be an important sign that timely action is needed.
Navodila za paciente
Navodila za paciente
Here you can read the instructions that you, as a patient, need to know before a colonoscopy.
For a successful, safe, and as comfortable as possible procedure, proper preparation is essential. In the instructions, you will find all the necessary information about diet before the procedure, bowel cleansing, and other important details that should be followed.
Click here for instructions:
Frequently asked questions about colonoscopy
To detect cancerous and precancerous changes, as well as inflammatory conditions, and to perform preventive examinations. It is carried out for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
By talking to the patient during the procedure and guiding them through it, as well as with sedation or anesthesia.
This depends on the course of the procedure. If the examination goes smoothly and the endoscopic findings are normal, you may experience some bloating or abdominal tension due to the air that was introduced during the procedure.
In cases of bleeding, severe diarrhea, diverticulitis, constipation, or a family history of colorectal disease.