Colonoscopy - it's painful or not to undergo the procedure and how to prepare for it
One of the most effective methods of examination of the intestine is a colonoscopy. In this article, we will talk about what kind of diagnostic method, when it should be carried out and how it is implemented. In addition, we will answer the main question that interests all patients: is the colonoscopy painful or not?
The main advantage of the procedure is that it allows you to quickly assess the condition of the large intestine. Another plus of the method is that the intestine is examined all along its length, ie, all 1.5 meters.
How is the procedure performed?
Colonoscopy is an endoscopic method of intestinal diagnostics. It is performed using an instrument called the colonoscope. It consists of a long flexible probe with an eyepiece, backlight and a tube for air supply to the intestinal cavity.
In addition, it includes forceps, which are necessary for biomaterial sampling for histology. The appearance of the device is very frightening to patients, and they begin to wonder: Colonoscopy of the intestine - is it painful? It is noteworthy that the fence is performed directly during the procedure itself.
For diagnostics devices are used, which are also equipped with a small camera. It allows you to view the visible parts of the organ and to identify various pathologies and neoplasms on them.
All received data are transferred to the computer of the specialist, where he performs their research. Also, a specialist can increase the received image on the computer and view the problem area in more detail.
Thus, thanks to the diagnosis, the doctor can:
- examine the shade, the gloss on the intestinal mucosa;
- analyze the diameter of the lumen of the gut and its motor activity;
- reveal the presence of various inflammatory processes in the intestinal cavity, as well as the appearance of neoplasms;
- reveal the presence of cracks, ulcers, polyps, erosions, scars on the mucosa;
- take biomaterial for further histological examination;
- remove a small formation, foreign body or polyp, located in the intestinal cavity;
- remove source of bleeding;
- to carry out the recanalization of the narrowed section;
- take pictures and more thoroughly examine the intestinal cavity and its mucosa.
Thus, a colonoscopy is a unique procedure that helps to quickly assess the internal state of the intestine and accurately diagnose.
Based on the fact that the diagnosis is carried out with the introduction of a special device in the body cavity, many patients wonder: colonoscopy of the intestine - is it painful or not? Physicians say that to reduce the pain from the procedure will help correct preparation. Read more on how to prepare for a colonoscopy →
How to proceed:
- Immediately before the procedure, the patient should remove all clothing below the belt. If desired, the patient may wear briefs for colonoscopy.
- Next, the patient is laid on the table. He should lie on his left side. The legs should be bent at the knees and pressed to the stomach.
- After this, the patient is introduced a colonoscope into the cavity of the rectum. Because of this, many patients believe that a colonoscopy is painful. In the event that the patient has a high threshold of sensitivity, the area of the anus can be lubricated with anesthetic. Most often, a dicaine ointment or xylocaine is used. It is also possible to use anesthesia. More details about anesthesia with a colonoscopy →
- As the intestinal cavity is being studied, the specialist moves the device deeper into the organ. In order to spread the folds of the mucous membrane, air is additionally pumped into the device.
- The procedure usually lasts about 10 minutes. It should be remembered that in the presence of various pathologies or diseases, it can be somewhat delayed.
- The air that gets into the body during the procedure is removed using a special tube. If after a few hours the patient has a feeling of bloating, then he needs to take several tablets of activated charcoal.
- After completion of the procedure, the patient can dress and return to his normal life. He can also take food or eating, and there will be no restrictions.
Is it painful to do a colonoscopy?
The procedure is absolutely safe and does not cause the patient any unpleasant sensations. Therefore, anesthetics are usually not used with it. During the diagnosis, the patient may have unpleasant sensations, but this is due to the injection of air into the cavity of the intestine or the passage of the device of various bends and corners in the organ. For example, the hepatic or splenic corners of the colon.
Many patients note that such feelings are quite tolerable. Thus, people who, when answering the question - is it painful to do a colonoscopy - say that it is painful and unpleasant to make this diagnosis, are mistaken.
The patient may also wish to visit the toilet during the procedure. To get rid of such symptoms, you should take a deeper breath.
Thus, a colonoscopy is an effective and safe method of diagnosis. With its help, it is possible to identify various neoplasms in the intestine at the early stages of their localization.
This is important for an accurate diagnosis. And in response to the question: is it painful to do colonoscopy of the intestine - you can confidently say "no."
How to prepare for the procedure?
Initially, the patient should get rid of stool. For this, the patient needs to follow a slag-free diet for 2-3 days. It is based on the exclusion of products that have a large number of dietary fiber. They contribute to the formation of stool and bloating. More on the diet before colonoscopy →
Immediately before the procedure, you should clean the intestines. This is done with the help of special enemas or the use of cleansing drugs.
The day before the procedure, you do not need to eat any food. Also, one should not eat before the procedure itself. The intestines must be perfectly clean.
The implementation of these procedures will help reduce pain and negatively answer the question: Colonoscopy - is it painful?
Author: Elena Streletskaya, doctor,
specially for Moizhivot.ru
