Colon Exam

A colon exam is also called a colonoscopy. Physicians check the lower intestinal tract for any abnormalities. The process is simple and relatively pain free. It is done fairly quickly on an outpatient basis. Most medical insurance companies will cover the procedure although it is always advisable to check with your insurance agent ahead of time.

Preparing For The Colon Exam

It is best to have an empty colon for this procedure. A standard colon cleansing product can help rid the colon of built up fecal matter. In addition, for a few days prior to the colonoscopy some physicians will ask you to have a clear liquid diet consisting of items such as water, broth, apple juice and lemonade. You will be asked to avoid any fiber containing liquids such as orange juice. Coffee and tea without milk are allowed. The day prior to the exam you will be given a laxative and copious amount of fluid to really flush the bowel well. You will need to spend the day prior to the exam at home, so you will have easy access to the toilet. It would be advisable to use a colon cleanse as well to clear out your systems before the exam.

The Standard Exam Process

You will be give intravenous sedation on the day of your examination. The physician will use a fiber optic camera or a CCD camera to view the colon during a colon exam. This small camera sits on the end of a bendable tube so it can easily follow the contours of the colon as it passes through the intestine. The doctor begins examination by entering the tube through the anus examining the anal sphincter and rectum. It then moves through the sigmoid colon, along the descending portion to the transverse section and finally to the ascending colon ending up in the cecum. The tube not only has a camera but suction, air and illumination. If any abnormality is suspected by the physician, a portion of the tissue will be sent for biopsy. Sometimes, the camera can get caught in an unnatural fold or loop in the colon. Changing your position and abdominal massage can often straighten up the loop so the camera can continue on its way. During the next half-hour of the exam, the physician will carefully examine the camera images for any abnormalities. You will then be allowed a sufficient recovery time of approximately 30 to 60 minutes. Be sure you have someone available to drive you home, as most doctors will not allow their patients to drive.

Alternative Methods

There is a non-invasive colon exam that can be performed called a virtual colonoscopy. This method uses CT scans to form a two dimensional view of the colon or uses nuclear magnetic resonance imaging to provide a three dimensional view of the intestine. However, if polyps are seen you would have to return to the doctor for a standard colonoscopy. Ultrasound colonography is another method using an ultrasonograph. In this situation, you will need to fast for 16 hours prior to the exam. The exam itself is first done without water and then completed after you drink approximately 1 liter of water. Examination begins with the ascending colon and then moves over to the descending colon and finally the transverse section is reviewed. The ultrasound completes its exam at the sigmoid colon.

Why Would A Colonoscopy Be Required?

Routine screening of the colon is recommended for all individuals 50 years or older. However, a colon exam can be done sooner if you are experiencing certain symptoms. Blood in the stool is a prime example of when a colonoscopy would be required. In addition, if there are any sudden changes in bowel habits such as consistent diarrhea, sudden onset of constipation or lower abdominal pain then a colonoscopy would be recommended.

A colon exam is seldom painful. It catches problems early so they can be treated swiftly and effectively.