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Colonoscopy – Common Medical Tourism Procedures

Colonoscopy

Definition:

Colonoscopy procedure is performed to view and examine the inside of the large intestine (colon and rectum) in order to evaluate the cause of intestinal symptoms and/or to diagnose inflammatory diseases or colon cancer.

Additional information about the procedure

Preparation for the procedure

  • Patient needs to engage in a liquid diet 1-2days before the procedure. Large amounts of fluids and laxatives will be given the night before the procedure (some cases enema may be given) to empty and clear the colon completely which is necessary to have a successful examination of the colon. This is called as bowel preparation.
  • Do not eat anything at night (8-10 hours) before the procedure
  • Arrangement for someone who can drive away and help after the procedure

During the procedure

  • Colonoscopy is usually performed in outpatient surgical department and usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes
  • Patient needs to wear examination gown and lay on  left side, with knee bending; on the examination table. The sedative and pain medication may be given by IV through arm.
  • The colonoscope (a long, flexible instrument about 12 inch in diameter equipped with a fiber optic camera) is inserted into the rectum by the surgeon and is guided in to the colon. The surgeon can view the images of inside of the colon on monitor.
  • In some cases surgeon may collect tissue samples or remove small growths with the help of special attachments.
  • Patient may go home after the sedation wear off.
  • Patient may have flatulence or cramping in pain for some times after the procedure. Patient who has polyp removal may experience slight bleeding per rectum.

Risk and complication

  • In general colonoscopy is a very safe procedure and major complications are rare. However the rate of complication is higher with polypectomy (removal of polyp).
  • The complication associated with colonoscopy may include perforation of the colon, bleeding, infection and reaction to medication.

Uses of the colonoscopy

  • As a screening test for early detection of colorectal cancer
  • Removal of polyp
  • Evaluate abnormal results of barium enema test
  • Take biopsy sample in suspected cases
  • Evaluate the cause andor diagnose certain inflammatory diseases of the bowel; in patients having symptoms such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits (unexplained diarrhea or constipation), non dietary weight loss

Travelers guide

  • Medical tourist are advised to arrive 1-2 days before the procedure for the bowel preparation
  • Tourist can expect to return back next day of the procedure after the full recovery.
  • Patient is not allowed to drive for 24 hours after the procedure as sedation can affect the driving

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