A colonoscopy surgery is a minimally invasive medical procedure that allows a gastroenterologist to examine and operate on the inside of the colon (large intestine). It makes use of a colonoscope, which is a four foot long flexible tube with a camera and light source attached at the tip. The tube is inserted through the anus and the entire procedure is viewed on an external monitor. ‘Colonoscopy surgery Dallas' center makes use of modern techniques and latest instruments to perform the procedure. All the procedures are carried out in hygienic condition minimizing the risk of infection.

Who might need a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy may be performed in the following cases:

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  Identify the cause and origin of blood in the stool
  
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  Abdominal pain or discomfort
  
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  Unexplained diarrhea
  
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  Unusual changes in bowel habits
  
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  Identify abnormalities on colonic X-rays
  
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  Identify abnormalities on CT-Scan
  
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  Family history of non-colonic cancer
  
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  History of polyps (benign growths that may become cancerous)
  
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  Colon cancer (ulcerative colitis)
  

Preparations for a Colonoscopy

For the procedure to be carried out precisely and completed without any problems, some important preparations are necessary:

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  Colon must be completely cleaned – this involves administration of laxatives and enemas (if required), and keeping the patient on a clear liquid diet and special cleansing solution prior to the colonoscopy.
  
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  There should be no fecal matter obstructing the colon prior to examination.
  
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  Instructions must be followed accurately otherwise an unsatisfactory visualization of the colon may be obtained, leading to a repetition of the entire procedure.
  

Procedure of a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a fairly painless procedure, lasting for about 15-60 minutes, depending on the amount and area to be examined. Colonoscopy surgery performed by colonoscopy surgeons in Dallas, have the ability to perform the procedure in a safe manner. Procedure of colonoscopy includes the following general steps:

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  Before starting, certain intravenous fluids will be given to the patient.
  
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  The heart rate and blood pressure will be continuously monitored throughout the procedure via an external monitor.
  
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  Sedatives are given through an intravenous line so that the patient can relax and feel does not feel any discomfort during the procedure.
  
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  The patient is made to lie on their left side and the tip of the colonoscope is gradually inserted through the anus.
  
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  Once inside, the colonoscope is slowly advanced into the rectum and through the colon.
  
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  Once it reaches the cecum (last part of small intestine), it is slowly withdrawn and the inside of the colon is examined.
  
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  Additional incisions may be made in the anorectal area through which surgical instruments may be inserted if the surgeon wishes to operate along with the examination.
  
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  The entire procedure is seen by the surgeon via an external feed.
  

Abnormalities Detected and Treated through a Colonoscopy

Any anomalies or growths detected via a colonoscopy may be further evaluated using the following methods:

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  Biopsy forceps may be inserted through a channel in the colonoscope and a sample of the suspected tissue may be removed for further evaluation.
  
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  In the case of unexplained bleeding, the site of the bleeding may be identified and tissue from that area may be biopsied.
  
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  For polyps, a colonoscopy almost always removes such growths effectively. This removes the chances of developing colorectal cancer if these polyps become cancerous at any stage.