Endoscopic examination of the large intestine

Information leaflet on an endoscopic examination of the large intestine  

Introduction  
Internal examination of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract by means of a long, flexible viewing instrument is called endoscopy.
Colonoscopy is the internal examination of the entire large intestine.
Sigmoïdoscopy is the internal examination of the lowest parts of the large intestine.
Endoscopy is performed if there are symptoms that could indicate infection, internal bleeding, polyps or a tumour. It is also done if X-Rays have not shown a clear picture (the twists and turns of the intestines are sometimes very difficult to photograph), if a polyp has to be removed or if tissue has to be taken for examination. In both cases, the flexible viewing tube (the endoscope) will be inserted trough the anus and guided into the large intestine.  

Endoscopy is performed by a speciallyqualified doctor.  

Preparation at home
In order to inspect the mucous membranes of the intestines properly, your bowels must be completely empty. You will, therefore, have to follow a special diet and take laxatives before the examination. You have already been given instructions about this. You may eat a slice of bread or two rusks with cheese and coffee or tea on the morning of the examination.  

Attention  
You must stop taking iron-pills three days before the examination. Other prescribed medicines may be taken, even on the morning of the examination.  

If you have any questions about this, you should put them to the doctor who sent you to be examined. If you are a diabetic and have questions about your diet and/or medicines, you should contact your (hospital)doctor or the diabetes nurse.  

How long does the examination take?
A colonoscopy takes about 30 minutes.
A sigmoïdoscopy about 15 minutes.
Both examinations can cause bowel cramps.  

The examination

• you will be asked to undress the lower part of your body.
• you will lie on your left side on the examination table; with your knees drawn up as far as  possible.
• you will be covered with a sheet
• the doctor or nurse will explain what is going to happen.
• at intervals, some air will be passed trough the tube into your bowels in order to expand them   fully; this may give you cramps in the bowels; releasing wind will help to relieve this feeling.
• if the cramps are to severe, the doctor will give you something to help ease the discomfort.

After the examination  

Colonoscopy: arrange for someone to accompany you back home. You are not allowed to drive yourself home.  

N.b.!
Because you have been given tranquillizer, you must sleep off the effects in the hospital’s Day Care Unit

You are not allowed to drive yourself home.

Sigmoïdoscopy: you can carry on as normal directly after the examination.

The results
The doctor, who performed the examination, will give you a provisional result straightaway. A detailed, written result will be sent to the doctor who sent you to be examined.   Complications Complications occur very rarely. However, if you do have bad stomach-ache, develop a fever or start to bleed heavily, you should immediately contact your Family Doctor (G.P.), your specialist and after 17.00 hours the Accident & Emergency (Spoedeisende Hulp) Department of our hospital. Telephone number: 070 - 312 44 45.    

Your doctor will ask you

•  If you take any medication (e.g. bloodthinners)
• if you are allergic to any particular medicines
• if you suffer from any form of heart or respiratory disease
• if you are pregnant.