Colonoscopy Diagnosis: What to Expect

Maria Kivachuk
|
March 9, 2023

If you're anything like most of us, the thought of a colonoscopy can be a daunting one. A colonoscopy is an important test that can diagnose many diseases and illnesses. In this article, we will discuss what can be detected during a colonoscopy, whether or not it is painful, how to prepare for an examination, and whether or not you will be sedated for a colonoscopy. We hope this article will provide you with valuable information to help you make informed decisions about your health. Let’s get started!

What diseases can a colonoscopy detect?

A colonoscopy can diagnose a variety of conditions, including cancer, polyps, inflammatory bowel diseases, and infections. It can also help identify the cause of unexplained symptoms, such as abdominal pain, fatigue, or changes in bowel habits. Additionally, a colonoscopy can help identify ulcers, abnormal growths, and other issues in the large intestine. The procedure can also be used to detect signs of diverticulitis, which is an inflammation of the colon.

Is it painful?

The good news is that a colonoscopy is usually not painful. Most people report feeling only slight discomfort during the procedure. You may experience a feeling of fullness or bloating, which is caused by the air that is used to inflate the colon. This feeling should go away shortly after the procedure is complete. It is important to note that you may experience some pain if a biopsy is taken during the procedure.

How to prepare for an examination?

To prepare for a colonoscopy, your doctor will likely recommend that you follow a specific diet the day before your procedure. You will likely be instructed to avoid eating solid foods and to consume only clear liquids. You may also be asked to take a laxative or an enema the night before the procedure to help clear out the colon. Additionally, you may need to stop taking certain medications before the procedure, so be sure to discuss this with your doctor.

Will you get sedated for a colonoscopy?

Most people will be given sedation during a colonoscopy to help them remain relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure. The type of sedation used will depend on your medical history and the type of procedure. Generally, you will be given either intravenous sedation, which is administered through an IV, or oral sedation, which is taken in the form of a pill. In some cases, you may receive a combination of both. Your doctor will be able to discuss the sedation options that are best for you.

One of the major advantages of capsule endoscopy is that it is a much less invasive procedure than traditional colonoscopy. There is no need for anesthesia or sedation, and the patient does not need to be monitored during the procedure. Additionally, capsule endoscopy can diagnose a variety of conditions, including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease. It can also be used to detect internal bleeding, which is often hard to detect with other types of tests. Finally, capsule endoscopy is much less expensive than traditional colonoscopy, making it a more budget-friendly option.

In conclusion, a colonoscopy is a beneficial procedure that can help diagnose many illnesses and conditions. It is important to understand what a colonoscopy can diagnose, how to prepare for the procedure, and whether or not you will be sedated for a colonoscopy. Additionally, capsule endoscopy is a less invasive option that can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions. We hope this article has provided you with valuable information about colonoscopies and that you are now better informed about the procedure.

Biocam endoscopy platform

BioCam is a company established in May 2019 and based in Wrocław, Poland. We popularize patient-friendly examination of the whole gastrointestinal tract using our own capsule endoscopy platform, based on AI technology. We believe that with our solution, capsule endoscopy will be a go-to examination of the whole gastrointestinal tract.

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written by
Maria Kivachuk
Marketing Specialist & UX Designer, BioCam
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