A colonoscopy is a procedure used to reliably and safely examine the large intestine for colorectal cancer, colorectal polyps, and other intestinal diseases, and to take tissue samples and remove colorectal polyps.
A colonoscopy is also commonly referred to as a colon examination. It involves examining the large intestine (colon) using an endoscope (in this case, a colonoscope).
An endoscope is a tube-like instrument used to examine hollow organs. It contains a camera lens, a light source, and, if necessary, other tiny instruments.
The colonoscope is inserted into the bowel through the anus. The camera transmits an image from inside the body to a monitor. This allows colonoscopy specialists to
Colonoscopy is a standard examination and the most important test for the early detection of colon cancer. It is part of the government-funded colon cancer screening program for people aged 55 and older.
Illustration of a colonoscopy © bilderzwerg / Fotolia
A colonoscopy is important for the diagnosis, screening, and treatment of various medical conditions.
Through endoscopic examination of the colon using a colonoscope, doctors can detect colorectal cancer at an early stage. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly increase the chances of a cure.
That is why colonoscopy is also part of the government-mandated colorectal cancer screening program.
A colonoscopy is used to investigate certain symptoms. These symptoms include, for example
A colonoscopy can also reliably diagnose the bowel diseases Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. It can also detect
.
Intestinal polyps are small, benign growths inside the intestine. Over many years, they can become malignant and develop into colorectal cancer. For this reason, intestinal polyps are considered precancerous lesions.
Using the colonoscope, for example, tiny forceps, scissors, and loops can be inserted into the intestine. This allows for the reliable removal of intestinal polyps, often eliminating the need for major surgery.
To clearly assess the intestinal wall and mucosa, the bowel must be completely emptied and cleansed. To this end, the patient is given a laxative the day before the examination. The patient should also drink plenty of fluids.
This flushes out the bowel so that the patient passes only clear fluid. A colonoscopy is only meaningful with careful preparation.
When performing a colonoscopy, a distinction must be made between the traditional and the modern colonoscopy.
A traditional colonoscopy takes about 20 minutes.
The doctor inserts the endoscope into the large intestine through the anus, advancing it to the junction with the small intestine. As the endoscope is advanced, air is gently insufflated, causing the bowel to expand.
As the endoscope is withdrawn, the doctor uses the rotating camera to examine the intestinal wall and the intestinal mucosa.
The procedure is relatively painless. However, most patients prefer a mild sedative so that they do not feel anything during the colonoscopy.
Modern virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography), on the other hand, takes place entirely outside the body.
First, cross-sectional images are generated using computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A computer assembles these images into a three-dimensional representation of the colon.
On the screen, the doctor can now virtually examine the colon for abnormalities such as colon polyps or diverticula.
The following videos show what various conditions look like during a colonoscopy:
Specialists in traditional colonoscopy are typically gastroenterologists—doctors who specialize in gastrointestinal diseases.
Virtual colonoscopy requires a CT or MRI scanner. Therefore, virtual colonoscopy is performed at specialized radiology centers or clinics dedicated to colonoscopy.
Provided the physician has the necessary experience, a colonoscopy is a safe procedure with a low risk of complications.
However, minor injuries to the intestinal lining and resulting bleeding can sometimes occur. In rare cases, the intestine may also be perforated.
Every physician listed in the Leading Medicine Guide has attained the highest level of training and certification within their respective medical specialty society. Furthermore, we contacted this physician based, among other factors, on their case volume (surgeries, treatments, and therapies), which we determined by cross-referencing various publicly available sources. Following discussions with the selected physicians and the directors of the medical facilities, as well as a subsequent internal review, they were admitted to the Leading Medicine Guide.
The quality assurance of the Leading Medicine Guide is further ensured by 8 admission criteria. Each member must meet at least 6 of them:
