Colonoscopy

During a colonoscopy, you will lie on your side with your knees drawn up towards your chest. A small amount of air is used to expand the colon, so the doctor can see the colon walls. You may feel mild cramping during the procedure. This can be reduced with deep breathing. The colonoscope is slowly withdrawn while the lining of your bowel is examined. A colonoscopy can be done under MAC, which stands for Monitored Anesthesia Care. This sedation method is performed by anesthesia professional who is in the room with the gastroenterologist and a nurse or technician.

If you are experiencing any of the problems above, or are a person of average risk for colorectal cancer, the recommendation is to get your first screening test at age 45. Follow-up colonoscopies will depend on the results of your first one.

While rare, some of the possible complications of this procedure may include bleeding from the site where a tissue sample (biopsy) was taken or a polyp or other abnormal tissue was removed; a tear in the colon or rectum wall; or an adverse reaction to the sedative used during the exam.

A colonoscopy is used to check for colorectal polyps or cancer. Delaying or avoiding a colonoscopy may put you at risk for undiagnosed cancer or other gastrointestinal conditions.

Your health insurance provider may require you to get a referral from your primary care provider to see a surgeon or gastroenterologist about a colonoscopy.

You can always get a second or third opinion, but it isn’t required. 

Your health history will be compiled and available to the team before, during, and after surgery. If you’re a Hancock Health patient, we will be able to access your records within our system. If you aren’t, we will work with your doctors to get the necessary information. 

Your surgical team will evaluate the situation and help you make a choice that’s right for you and your health. Temporary treatments might be used if your surgery is rescheduled. 

Consult the Price Transparency Tool at HancockRegionalHospital.org for an idea of how much a colonoscopy might cost.

Medicare parts A and B will cover the cost of a colonoscopy, but it’s important for your doctor to indicate that the surgery is medically necessary. 

As a patient, you play a critical role ahead of your colonoscopy through a process called bowel preparation. There are a few different kinds, almost all of which involve consuming a liquid. Your doctor will determine what kind is best for you based on your medical history and their particular preference. Some of these products require a prescription, while others are available over the counter. They all have the same goal: to remove everything in your colon prior to the procedure. You may experience some skin irritation around the anus due to the passage of liquid stools. You can prevent and treat this skin irritation by applying ointment to the skin around the anus before drinking the bowel preparation medication. 

You’ll arrive several hours before your surgery and be escorted to the preoperative waiting area.You’ll remove all of your clothing and jewelry and put on a hospital gown. (Your valuables will be placed in a secure area or may be given to a family member.) You’ll sign any necessary paperwork and a preoperative nurse will take your vital signs, review your medications, and answer any questions.You’ll meet your anesthesiologist and the members of your surgery team. An I.V. (intravenous line) will be placed in your hand or arm, so medications—including sedatives—can be administered. If you’re using a different kind of anesthesia or sedation, you’ll receive an injection.When it’s time for your surgery, you will be wheeled into the operating suite on a stretcher.

In addition to the surgeon, you have an anesthesiologist, nurses—some of them specialize in working with patients and others assist the surgeon—and support staff, who get you checked in and out, compile your records, and more. They all work together, performing their individual jobs, so the procedure is as successful as possible. 

Consider bringing anything you’ll need for an overnight stay, including a change of underwear, a sweatshirt, glasses or contacts, headphones, and your medications. You probably will not be there overnight, but it’s a good idea to be prepared.

You’ll lie on your side with your knees drawn up towards your chest. You will feel relaxed and somewhat drowsy due to the sedation. 

A colonoscopy typically lasts around 30 minutes. 

After the procedure, you will be moved to a recovery room where you will stay until you’re ready for discharge. The amount of time you are in recovery depends on whether or not you were sedated and what type of pain medication you receive.

You’ll be able to talk to your surgeon immediately after your procedure, while you’re in the recovery room.

In most cases, pain medications are never ordered after a colonoscopy.  

Your doctor may prescribe medications to ease cramping, gas pains, or other discomfort associated with the procedure. 

Make sure you have groceries for when you arrive home from the procedure. If you live alone, you may want to arrange for a friend or family member to check in with you.

Physical therapy and rehabilitation are not typically needed after a colonoscopy. Our associates will help you arrange the postoperative care you’ll need.

There will not likely be any scarring or stitches to remove. 

If you have an emergency following your procedure, call your surgeon’s office. If you’re in need of immediate emergency services, go to the nearest emergency room.