When is colonoscopy necessary?

Colonoscopy of the intestine is one of the most popular methods of research of all parts of the intestine, which is performed with the help of a special apparatus - an endoscope. This procedure allows you to identify in the early stages of a number of diseases of the large intestine (tumors, ulcers, etc.) and prevent their transition to a malignant tumor.

In what cases is colonoscopy prescribed

As a rule, the implementation of this procedure is necessary to exclude oncological diseases of the intestine. Also, a colonoscopy is assigned before some operations or before other studies.

Indication for this procedure:

• A change in the color of the stool and the presence of blood in it;
• Constant change of constipation diarrhea and vice versa;
• Pain in the stomach;
• A sharp decrease in weight and loss of appetite for no apparent reason;
• Pain in the abdomen, which are permanent;
• Chronic diarrhea;
• Decreased hemoglobin ;
• ulcerative colitis;
• The presence of oncological bowel diseases in relatives;
• Age over 40 years.

Preparation for Colonoscopy of the Intestine

When prescribing this procedure, the first thing is to tell the doctor if you have an allergic reaction (if any). Then the most important moment of preparation for colonoscopy of the intestine is an absolute refusal to use any products 10-12 hours before the research. Otherwise, the food in the stomach will make it difficult to view and will not allow you to make an accurate diagnosis. On the eve it is forbidden to eat all meat, cereals, cereals and even fruits with vegetables! Only liquids - mineral water, tea without sugar, transparent broth without pulp, etc., do not fall under the ban. On the day when colonoscopy of the intestine is prescribed, it is forbidden to consume absolutely everything, up to the water.

The second stage of preparation for this procedure is the cleansing of the bowel enema or with the help of a special medication - Dufalac or Fortrans.

Methods of conducting

Colonoscopy of the intestine is performed as follows:

• The patient is asked to lie on his left side and, if possible, press his legs to his stomach.
• Through the anal passage, an endoscope is inserted, at the end of which there is a cold light source.
• As the endoscope moves, air is supplied, which facilitates the opening of the intestine and an easier passage of the apparatus.
• After the inspection all the injected air is sucked through the canal of the colonoscope.

The duration of the entire procedure does not exceed 15 minutes.

Virtual Colonoscopy of the Intestine

This procedure is a special kind of computer tomography of intestinal research, the main "tool" of which are x-rays. Passing through the body of the patient, they project the resulting image onto an X-ray film. The main indication for its implementation is the screening of polyps and other formations on the intestinal mucosa at their early stage of development. Practically all doctors recommend to carry out this procedure to all people over 50 years old. Do this is not so often - once in 7-10 years. Those who have an increased risk of bowel cancer colonoscopy should be performed every 5 years.