Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a test to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine and rectum.

This type of test consists of the insertion of a colonoscope through the rectum: this instrument in a flexible and long tube form, has a video camera in the tip of the tube which allows the specialist to explore the interior of the colon. 

This test is mainly recommended to diagnose the causes of symptoms and signs such as:

• Abdominal pain
• Rectal bleeding
• Chronic constipation
• Chronic diarrhoea
• Colon cancer screening
• Look for recurrence of polyps

This test is painless for the patient, and it lasts approximately between 30 and 60 minutes.

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Colonoscopy is a medical test that involves examination of the lining of the colon and the end of the small intestine.

This procedure allows examining the interior of the colon and the rectum through a colonoscope.

Through the colonoscope there’s also the possibility of using different instruments for the exploring of the digestive tube, and also the the performance of certain types of treatment such as: removal of abnormal tissue or the taking of tissue samples (biopsy).

When is it recommended?

This type of examination is performed in those cases that present a series of symptoms that may indicate the development of a pathology or affection of the lower digestive tract, the most common being:

• Presence of polyps seen previously in a x-ray test or a sigmoidoscopy.
• Abdominal pain.
• Anaemia, provided that no other cause of anaemia has been found.
• Inflammatory intestinal disease.
• Stool disturbances: chronic constipation or chronic diarrhoea.
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the faeces.
• Abnormal weight loss.
• Follow-up of a previously diagnosed disease or condition, such as colon cancer, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.

Risks of Colonoscopy

Despite that medical complications during the performance of the test or after are rare, there are a few risks or side effects having a colonoscopy done:

• Continuous bleeding caused by the biopsy or the removal of polyps.
• Hole or rupture of the colon’s wall, that may need surgery to repair it.
• Infections that may require antibiotics (rarely frequent).
• Reaction to relaxation medication, causing breathing problems or low blood pressure.

A Colonoscopy test through Operarme requires a series of steps needed to perform the procedure under the maximum safety.

If you are interested in this test, you first need to follow these steps:

• Request a consultation with our Digestive System specialist by filling in our contact form, calling at +34 91 141 33 56 or by clicking on the Purchase Service button below.
• Our patient service team will call you to confirm that the date and time of the consultation is suitable for your needs.
• After that, you will have to come to the consultation on the agreed date.

During the consultation, the specialist will ask a few questions about the symptoms you have and also about your medical history. After the visit, we will give you the instructions to follow and prepare for the colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy

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Prior to the day of the colonoscopy, it’s very important to follow the indications previous to the procedure, being essential to cleanse (empty) the colon. This is because any debris in the colon can make it difficult to visualise the organ and rectum during the test. The specialist may ask you to do the following:

• Follow a special diet the days before the test:
• Do not eat solid food 1 to 3 days before.
• Drink soft liquids: water, tea or coffee without milk or cream, fat-free broths, carbonated drinks.
• Fruit juices, such as apple or grape.
• Use of enemas.
• Taking laxatives.
• Adjustments in medications. Remind your doctor about any medications you take at least one week before the test, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or heart problems, or if you take medications or supplements that contain iron.

Colonoscopy has an estimated duration between 30 and 60 minutes.

On the day of the test, the specialist will explain how he/she is going to proceed for the performance of the colonoscopy, and the nurses will prepare you in the surgical room.

The procedure will consist of the following steps:

• First, after positioning you on the stretcher, usually on your left side with your knees bent towards your chest, you will be given sedation and painkillers.
• As soon as the anaesthesia takes effect, the doctor will introduce the colonoscope through the anus and slowly move it through the large intestine until it reaches the beginning of the small intestine.
• During the process, air is blown through to inflate the duct, allowing a better view of the lining. The gas may cause you to feel abdominal cramping or other discomfort during the process.
• Once the colonoscope reaches the opening into the small intestine, the specialist begins to slowly withdraw it, and examines the lining of the large intestine again.

The procedure will take between 30 and 60 minutes. Once the test has been completed, you will remain in the clinic until all the effects of the anaesthesia have disappeared completely.

You won’t need to stay overnight at the hospital, this test is an outpatient procedure.

The results generally are delivered to the patient after the performance of the colonoscopy.

However sometimes there are samples that have been taken during the colonoscopy, for laboratory analysis. In this case you will have to wait a few days until you have a diagnosis of the sample taken.

The cost of the Colonoscopy through Operarme is 590 €, a fixed price which includes everything related to human and technical resources necessary to perform the test. 

The services included are:

• Booking and use of the operating theatre.
• Coagulation analysis according to medical indications.
• Medical fees and assistants until medical discharge.
• Anaesthesia and sedatives.
• Surgical material necessary for the procedure.

In the event that samples or polyps are taken during the examination of the digestive tract, the pathological anatomy is NOT included in the fixed price (shown above). Contact our patient service department for more information and solve any questions you may have about the test.

If you are interested in meeting our Digestive System Specialists to perform a Colonoscopy, you can ask for more information about the purchase of the test by calling at +34 91 141 33 56, or by filling in the contact form.

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