How Long Does A Colonoscopy Take?

How Long Does A Colonoscopy Take?
4 min read
11 November 2022

A colonoscopy (Koe-lun-operating system kuh-pee) is a test used to search for changes — like swollen, irritated tissues, polyps, or cancer — in the large intestine (colon) and rectum.

How long does a colonoscopy take - During a colonoscopy, a long, adaptable cylinder (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the cylinder allows the doctor to see the inside of the whole colon.

If they are vital, polyps or different types of abnormal tissue can be removed through a tube during a colonoscopy. Tissue tests (biopsies) may also be done during a colonoscopy.

Why It's Done

Your doctor might recommend a colonoscopy to:

Investigate intestinal signs and symptoms. A colonoscopy can assist your doctor in exploring potential reasons for abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhea, and other intestinal problems.

Screen for colon cancer. If you're age 45 or older and at normal risk of colon cancer — you have no colon cancer risk factors other than age — your doctor might recommend a colonoscopy every 10 years. 

On the off chance that you have other risk factors, your doctor might recommend a screening sooner. 

A colonoscopy is a very rare example of a choice for colon cancer screening. Talk with your doctor about the most ideal choices for you.

Search for additional polyps. If you have had polyps previously, your doctor might recommend a follow-up colonoscopy to search for and eliminate any additional polyps. This is done to reduce your risk of colon cancer.

How long does a colonoscopy take - Treat an issue. Sometimes, a colonoscopy might be done for treatment purposes, for example, placing a stent or removing an item from your colon.

What You Can Anticipate

During The Procedure

How long does a colonoscopy take - During a colonoscopy, you'll wear an outfit, yet logically nothing else. Sedation or sedation is typically recommended.

In many cases, the sedative is combined with pain medication given directly into your bloodstream (intravenously) to diminish any discomfort.

You'll begin the test lying on your side on the test table, as a rule with your knees drawn toward your chest. The doctor will insert a colonoscope into your rectum.

The scope — which is sufficiently long to arrive at the whole length of your colon — contains a light and a cylinder (channel) that allows the doctor to siphon air, carbon dioxide or water into the colon.

Air or carbon dioxide inflates the colon, which provides a better view of the lining of the colon.

At the point when the scope is moved or air is introduced, you might feel stomach cramping or the inclination to have a solid discharge.

The colonoscope likewise contains a tiny video camera at its tip. The camera sends pictures to an outer screen with the goal that the doctor can study the inside of your colon.

The doctor can likewise insert instruments through the channel to take tissue tests (biopsies) or eliminate polyps or different areas of abnormal tissue.

How long does a colonoscopy take - A colonoscopy ordinarily takes around 30 to an hour.

After The Procedure

After the test, it requires about an hour to begin to recuperate from the sedative. You'll need somebody to bring you back home since it can require as long as a day for the full impacts of the sedative to wear off.

Don't drive or go with significant choices or return to work until the end of the day.

You might feel bloated or pass gas for a couple of hours after the test, as you eliminate any confusion from your colon. Walking might assist with relieving any discomfort.

You may likewise notice a modest quantity of blood with your most memorable defecation after the test. Typically, this isn't a reason to worry.

How long does a colonoscopy take - Counsel your doctor on the off chance that you continue to pass blood or blood clots or on the other hand on the off chance that you have tenacious abdominal pain or a fever.

While improbable, this might happen immediately or in the initial not many days after the procedure, yet might be delayed for up to 1 to 2 weeks.

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