Your weekly guide to check-ups
My doctor has referred me for a colonoscopy, can you tell me what's involved?
Colonoscopy is the examination of the large bowel using a fibre optic telescope. It is a useful test in diagnosing of a variety of bowel problems including benign growths (polyps), inflammation of the bowel lining and cancer.
Prior to the test you will have to take a special laxative to clear the bowel. Your surgeon will insert a flexible telescope into the rectum allowing him to view the lining and structures of the lower bowel.
The colonoscope can be inserted up through the large bowel as far as the location of the appendix, giving a good view of the entire lower bowel structures. If needs be, a small piece of tissue may be removed and sent for laboratory examination.
It all sounds vaguely embarrassing.
Embarrassing for who? Certainly not for the staff. Let's be honest, they've literally seen it all before. And as for you, a mild anaesthetic prior to the test ensures you will be drowsy or asleep for most of it and unlikely to remember the details afterwards. To be honest many essential tests require the forgoing of a little dignity but hospital staff are sensitive to this and do all they can to minimise embarrassment.
Afterwards you may have a little bleeding especially if a polyp has been removed. Some bloating and mild pain for a couple of hours are also on the cards (are possible?).
You can go home a few hours after the examination but do arrange for someone to collect you as driving is not recommended after an anaesthetic.
Is there any alternative test available?
Yes. A new method of imaging the bowel known as virtual colonoscopy is now available in specialist centres and involves a special x-ray (CT scan) of the abdomen. You still have to take the laxative preparation and a fine tube will be inserted into the back passage allowing air to inflate the bowel.
Otherwise there are no needles, injections or anaesthetic involved so you can leave the hospital once the test is finished.
So it won't hurt?
Well it might but not in the way you mean. I'm afraid the cost is not currently covered by VHI or BUPA.