A Step-by-Step Guide to What Happens During an Endoscopy & Colonoscopy


Endoscopy and colonoscopy are diagnostic tools that help doctors diagnose problems in your gastrointestinal tract. These procedures are performed to rule out mild or severe digestive conditions. In some cases, the doctors may recommend either of the two procedures. In other cases, they may recommend a combined test.

If you have been experiencing symptoms like bloating, constipation, blood in stools, stomach ache, unexplained weight loss and discomfort for a prolonged period, visit a doctor. Depending on the initial examination, they may recommend endoscopy or colonoscopy or both to confirm the diagnosis of your condition.

Here’s everything to know.

What is Endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a vital procedure used in modern medicine to diagnose and treat digestive conditions. It is a minimally invasive procedure that involves minimal preparation, from dietary adjustments to medical management, and more. The doctor will guide you towards the preparation. It is crucial to follow the guidelines to ensure a smooth procedure and avoid any side effects.

The Procedure

  • On the day of the procedure, you will receive general anesthesia. It will help you keep calm and relaxed throughout the examination. The administration of anesthesia also ensures you don’t feel pain or discomfort during the procedure.

  • The doctor will use an endoscope—a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and light attached to it and insert it into your body through the mouth. In some cases, they may insert the tool through a small incision or even the rectum, depending on the area to be examined.

  • The camera fitted with the light transmits images that the doctor can view on the computer screen to diagnose the condition.

  • The device collects tissue samples for biopsies. The doctor may as well use this procedure to perform minor surgeries, if necessary.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that helps doctors rule out problems in your colon or large intestine. In addition to examining the colon, this procedure may also be used to clean the lining of your colon using irrigation, remove any liquid stool with a suture device, inject air into the bowel to make it easy to view inside, or work inside your bowel with surgical tools.

During this procedure, the doctor may remove tissue or polyps (abnormal growth of the tumor) for further examination, especially if there is a suspicion of colon cancer. In some cases, the doctor may treat existing problems found inside your colon immediately during the procedure. Colonoscopy should be a part of routine examination among people with a family history of colon cancer or individuals who are 40 years or older.

The Procedure

Colonoscopy requires a lot of preparation on a physical and dietary level. You must quit the consumption of alcohol or cigarettes a few weeks before the procedure. You must not eat or drink for a specified amount of time before the procedure. The doctor may also provide you with laxatives to clean your bowel so that they can get a proper view of the colon during the examination.

You should communicate with them about your medical history, including a history of bleeding disorders, medicines you are taking, or sensitivity or allergy to certain medications, such as latex, tape, or anesthesia.

  • Once you are done preparing your bowels after the instructions of the doctor, you will be brought into the medical room and asked to remove jewelry or other objects that might get in the way during the procedure.

  • An intravenous line will be attached to your arm or hand, and a sedative will be administered so that you don’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.

  • At the same time, you will be given oxygen to breathe throughout the procedure. The care team will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate.

  • The surgeon will put a lubricated tube into your anus and insert the colonoscope into your rectum or colon. You might feel some discomfort or cramping, but sedation will ensure these effects aren’t aggravated.

  • Alongside this, the surgeon will inject carbon dioxide into your bowel. It lets them view the inside of the colon properly. A water jet may also be used to clean the lining of the colon. The surgeon may use a suction device to remove any liquid stool.

  • Your colon will be checked through the images appearing on the computer screen, and photos will be taken. If a polyp is seen, they will take it out at the same time.

  • Once the procedure is over, the colonoscope will be taken out, and you will be brought to the care room.

The Findings

Whether you have had an endoscopy or a colonoscopy, the doctor will discuss the findings with you once the reports are out. The test reports help the doctor plan the best treatment.

Takeaway

Both endoscopy and colonoscopy are sought-after procedures that help doctors find out the cause of unexplained weight loss, acidity, stomach ache, and other digestive problems. Discuss the pros and cons of these examinations with your doctor and follow their advice for the preparation.

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