Qualifying Tests: Colonoscopy

This is a test that many people dread taking.  This was a first for me, but I had heard accounts from many friends and they alleviated my fears.  The anxiety here is generally far more emotional than physical.  A tube is inserted into the patient’s rectum and the lining of the intestine inspected for damage or disease using a fiber-optic lens.


HOWEVER since patients are now sedated during this test, much if not all of the emotional stress is minimized.  Physical pain, even after the fact, is often non-existent, although some temporary internal abrasions may be caused by the test that could cause a low-level irritant for a day or two.



Pre-test prep includes taking several laxatives and drinking over a gallon of treated water during the twenty-four hours prior to the test to clean our your bowels.  The clear liquid tastes somewhat like an electrolyte/sports water and may be citrus-flavored.  You will definitely want to stay close to home and your bathroom during this time.



The test is performed under out-patient status by a physician, so the results will be ready and waiting for your review once you wake up – a huge plus.  An after-effect of this test is gas and some laxness of the bowels, so you’ll probably want to stay close to home for the rest of the day after the test as well.  When the test is complete and the general anesthesia wears off you will be released – make sure you have a driver with you.



Don’t let your fears get the better of you on this test; it’s one everyone should have as they get older, simply as a preventative/early warning measure.  The fear generally associated with this test is vastly over-rated.

Colonoscopy - Teri	Type	Rating	Duration
Tourniquet	Pressure	3	1-2 min.
Needle Insertion	Sharp Sting	2	1-5 sec.
Anesthesia Delivery	None	0	30 sec.
Inspection	None	0	20 min.

Colonoscopy -	Type	Rating	Duration
Tourniquet
Needle Insertion
Anesthesia Delivery
Inspection

As you can see the total time of discomfort for this test is probably less than two minutes, and since the patient is under a general anesthesia for the bulk of the test, no additional time falls into the category of discomfort.



The test results given will be in the form of a pictorial print-out of your rectal lining.  The physician will review this with you as soon as you wake up, and that review should take no more than a minute or two.  You’ll be offered juice to rehydrate, and very soon after you’ll be released.  Remember to have a driver with you as you will be too groggy to drive yourself for some hours.