Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a procedure used to inspect the large bowel (colon). We perform colonoscopy procedures multiple times per week both in the public and private system. All private procedures are billed No-Gap to your health fund and usually can be arranged within 1-3 weeks. Waiting time in the public system through can be between 1 to 12 months. Manning Base Hospital is based on clinical priority and is between 1-12 months.
How is the bowel prepared?
In order for us to get the best possible view and make the colonoscopy easier, your large bowel needs to be cleaned out of all waste material. You will be given a preparation kit which contains full instructions. My bowel prep regime gives good to excellent preparation if you follow it properly in over 90% of the time. Good bowel prep matters. Some large flat polyps will only be able to be detected if the bowel is very clean. If the bowel prep is inadequate, “normal colonoscopy” may not be normal. To be sure you have to repeat it sooner than later.
Special considerations
Iron tablets should be stopped a week before the test. Aspirin can be continued. If you have diabetes or have heart valve disease or have a pacemaker or defibrillator implanted or are taking blood thinning tablets such as Warfarin, Clopidogrel, Prasugrel Xarelto, Dabigatran or Apixban it is important to discuss this with me before the colonoscopy is organised, as special arrangements may be necessary.
How is colonoscopy done?
Your colonoscopy will be done under deep sedation with an anaesthetist. The test is performed while you lie on your left side, although occasionally it may be necessary for you to lie on your back during the procedure. The instrument is inserted through the back passage. Most colonoscopies take between 20 and 45 minutes.
What happens after colonoscopy?
Following the procedure you will remain in the hospital recovery area for approximately two hours until the effect of the medication wears off. When you wake up you may feel a little bloated. This is due to the air that was inserted during the procedure. This will pass over the next hour or so. Very rarely, you may pass a small amount of blood. This is due to biopsies that have been taken and is of no concern. You may then go home. Because of the sedation given it is very important that you do not drive a car, travel on public transport alone, operate machinery, sign legal documents or drink alcohol on the same day.
Safety and risks
Serious complications of colonoscopy are rare, at less than one in a thousand examinations. However complications can occur and include the following:
1) Colonoscopy is considered to be the most accurate test of the colon. However, there is a risk that an abnormality may not be detected.
2) Intolerance of the bowel preparation: Some people develop dizziness, headaches or vomiting.
3) Reaction to the sedatives or anaesthetics.
4) Perforation (making a hole in the bowel).
5) Major bleeding from the bowel: This can occur as a result of polyps being removed. It is possible if these serious complications occur that you may require surgery or a blood transfusion.
If you have any of the following symptoms in the hours or days after colonoscopy you should contact the hospital or my rooms immediately: severe abdominal pain, black tarry motions, persistent bleeding from the back passage, fever or other symptoms.