Colposcopy: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Colonoscopy is a medical test advised by the doctor to get a detailed image of the large bowel. Doctors generally advise a patient to undergo a colonoscopy in order to get a clear view of the colon and the lining. Mostly, colonoscopy is conducted to ensure the birth of colon cancer. Doctors tend to advise this test to patients who are suffering from blood in the stool, excessive diarrhoea, any abnormality in colon X-ray, or even drastic abdominal pain. Also, for people with past experience of polyps and cancer or even person with a family history related to colon cancer are advised to undergo this treatment periodic times in order to keep a track on the risk factor. The colonoscopy is performed with a machine named colonoscope, a four feet long thick tube similar to a finger with a camera along with a source of light on the tip. However, the patient is supposed to have a detailed talk with the doctor and inform him whether he is under the course of any blood thinning agents, the entire medication he is presently indulged in and a clean bowel system that would help the doctor to get a clear view of the colon lining. Moreover, the person is supposed to maintain a fasting for at least 6 six hours before the execution of the test.

In order to get the medical test successful done, the colon should remain absolutely clean. There remain several preparatory guidelines required to be followed by the patient before sitting for the test. The patient is advised to intake a huge amount of a special drinking solution that works as a cleansing agent along with maintaining a very clean and liquid diet at least from last few days. Moreover, the patient is instructed to have laxatives before conducting the test.

During the examination, an intravenous line is generally inserted at the back so that the patient feels relaxed and sleepy, in order to reduce pain. Further, a check on the heartbeat, blood pressure and the oxygen in the blood is done on the monitor screen.

While conducting the test, the patient may experience cramping and bloating in the abdomen. There is a common notion that it causes tremendous pain, but with the aid of medication, the intensity of pain has reduced and is well-tolerable.

The patient is primarily asked to lie down. The tube is then inserted. Once it reaches the colon, the colonoscope is withdrawn in order to get a fine picture of the lining of the colon. The process takes around 15 to 60 minutes of time and the doctor may ask for a repeat test in case he is not able to get a clear image of the colon lining.

The doctor may ask you to get a colonoscopy done if you are facing symptoms like blood in the stool, constant bleeding from the rectum, severe abdominal pain, long-lasting diarrhoea and even in case of a drastic change in bowel habits. The doctor may also ask you to get a colonoscopy done if there lies any family history of colon cancer or existence of polyps.

A patient who is not experiencing any symptoms that calls for the emergency of colonoscopy is not eligible for the treatment.

There are several risks associated with colonoscopy medical test. One inevitable side effect is to experience severe cramping and pain while the test is conducted. The patient may also experience an abdominal swelling due to the entry of the air during the test.

Further, you might come across blood in the stool just after the test is conducted. Again, it is rare but colonoscopy includes the risk of hurting or damaging the intestine walls and results in infection. Digestive abnormalities or dysfunctioning can also be one of the side effects of colonoscopy.

After the test is done, the effect of sedative remains for about an hour. Therefore, the person is advised to take bed rest for some hours to overcome the effect of the sedative and should not drive back home of his own. On the other hand, if you feel bloated or tend to pass gas, you may consider walking that would provide you with bit relief.

In case if the doctor removes the polyp during the colonoscopy, you might be advised to be under the regulation for few days and maintain a strict special diet.

The aftereffect of the test sustains for about an hour. This is the effect of the sedative that takes some time to fade. However, the patient is advised to take a day-long rest.

The cost of colonoscopy test depends on the hospital and the doctor who is going to perform the test. However, it ranges from 1000 INR to 50000 INR in different hospital or test clinics.

Considered that the patient has undergone all necessary pre-execution steps before sitting for the examination, the results shown are mostly permanent. However, if the doctor is successful in conducting the test, he may call for a repeat test.