Colonoscopy
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When is a Colonoscopy indicated?
A colonoscopy can be performed as a diagnostic test, screening or treatment for the following reasons:
- To examine the colon for signs of cancer, such as colorectal cancer.
- To identify the cause of symptoms of abdominal pain, bleeding, chronic constipation, chronic recurrent diarrhoea and other intestinal problems.
- To explore the cause of unexplained changes in bowel habits.
- To examine the colon for the presence of polyps.
- To examine and diagnose inflammatory bowel disease.
A colonoscopy is recommended once every 10 years for people who:
- Are 40 to 75 years old.
- Are at average risk of developing colorectal cancer.
- Have a family history of colorectal cancer.
- Have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Have had polyps removed during a previous colonoscopy.
FAQ
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure takes approximately 15 minutes to an hour.
What are the risks of a colonoscopy?
The risks of a colonoscopy include:
- Belly pain or discomfort
- Bleeding
- Colon perforation
- Reaction to anaesthesia
Can another colonoscopy procedure be recommended?
Yes, the surgeon may recommend another colonoscopy if:
- There are more than two polyps
- There is a large polyp
- There are polyps and residual stools in the colon, which prevents complete examination of the colon.
- Cancerous polyps
- To examine the colon for signs of cancer, such as colorectal cancer.
- To identify the cause of symptoms of abdominal pain, bleeding, chronic constipation, chronic recurrent diarrhoea and other intestinal problems.
- To explore the cause of unexplained changes in bowel habits.
- To examine the colon for the presence of polyps.
- To examine and diagnose inflammatory bowel disease.
A colonoscopy is recommended once every 10 years for people who:
- Are 40 to 75 years old.
- Are at average risk of developing colorectal cancer.
- Have a family history of colorectal cancer.
- Have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Have had polyps removed during a previous colonoscopy.
FAQ
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure takes approximately 15 minutes to an hour.
What are the risks of a colonoscopy?
The risks of a colonoscopy include:
- Belly pain or discomfort
- Bleeding
- Colon perforation
- Reaction to anaesthesia
Can another colonoscopy procedure be recommended?
Yes, the surgeon may recommend another colonoscopy if:
- There are more than two polyps
- There is a large polyp
- There are polyps and residual stools in the colon, which prevents complete examination of the colon.
- Cancerous polyps