A colonoscopy is used to look for early signs of cancer or the causes of changes in bowel habits. This eMedTV Web page further describes the procedure in detail, including how it is carried out and possible risks associated with it.
The colon is a tube that connects rectum and anus to the small intestine and absorbs nutrients, salts, and water from food. This eMedTV page discusses the function of the colon and the rest of the digestive system, such as the esophagus and stomach.
Colon problems can range from minor hemorrhoids to severe, abnormal cancerous growths. This page of the eMedTV website lists colon problems that are common, such as anal fissures, inflammatory bowel diseases, and diverticulitis.
Colonoscopy preparation begins several days before the procedure, when you start a liquid diet to empty your colon. This eMedTV article further explains the colonoscopy preparation process, including what to expect and what you can and cannot eat.
A colonoscopy procedure allows your doctor to examine the inside of your colon through a camera inserted in the rectum. This eMedTV page explains the colonoscopy procedure more thoroughly, including details on what to expect and how to prepare.
During the colonoscopy recovery period, it is vital to carefully follow instructions on proper diet and medication. This eMedTV page offers an in-depth look at what to expect during colonoscopy recovery and offers tips on post-procedure activities.
As this eMedTV page explains, colonoscopy expectations can range from finding nothing to finding an abnormal growth and treating it. Expected results from colonoscopy can vary, depending on the reason for undergoing the procedure.
Alternatives to colonoscopy include rectal exams, barium enemas, and blood tests. This eMedTV segment describes various alternatives to colonoscopy in detail and explains the effectiveness of each.
There are a few ways to do a bowel prep; using Fleets Phospho-Soda is a popular method. As this eMedTV article explains, using Fleets Phospho-Soda (a laxative) involves taking the drug in 2 separate doses, accompanied by lots of water.
A bowel prep is the process of cleaning out your bowels using diarrhea-causing medication. This eMedTV segment describes the steps involved in a bowel prep, including which medicines are often used and what to expect after taking the drugs.
Colonoscopy risks are rare, but it is still important to know and understand the possible complications before your procedure. This segment of the eMedTV website covers possible colonoscopy risks and describes the complications that can occur.
This eMedTV article explains that if you have diabetes, and colonoscopy has been recommended, you have a greater risk of infection and delayed healing after the procedure. This page discusses blood sugar, diabetes, and risks during colonoscopy.
As this eMedTV article explains, heart or lung problems during colonoscopy are rare; if they do occur, they can include irregular heart rhythms and lung failure. Those who have heart or lung conditions are at increased risk for these problems.
A bowel perforation during colonoscopy is rare and only occurs in 1 out of 1,700 procedures. This part of the eMedTV site explains the odds of having a bowel perforation during colonoscopy and describes the potential complications that can occur.
As this eMedTV segment explains, bleeding from a colonoscopy is rare. However, it can sometimes happen when another procedure, such as removing a polyp, is also performed. This page discusses the causes and treatments of bleeding from a colonoscopy.
As this eMedTV article explains, allergic reactions (such as itchy eyes and skin rashes) can occur due to the anesthesia used during a colonoscopy. This portion of the eMedTV library offers an in-depth look at allergic reactions and colonoscopy.
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