Thinner and more flexible endoscopes may cause less stretching of the mesentery, which is one of the principal sources of pain during colonoscopy.
The most common complaint following a colonoscopy is abdominal discomfort or pain caused by cramping or bloating. This occurs because, in order to perform the colonoscopy, your doctor uses air to inflate the colon and maneuver the colonoscope.
The mechanism of pain during colonoscopy is similar to that of childbirth. Both are caused by the spasm of smooth muscle. But the pain during colonoscopy is artificially caused by the insertion of endoscope.
Mild abdominal pain/discomfort immediately after a colonoscopy is not rare, occurring anywhere between 2.5% to 11% of the cases [2]. Though it may have a host of etiologies, it is most commonly a result of air insufflation, endoscope looping, and/or manual pressure maneuvers used during a colonoscopy.
Is a sedation-free colonoscopy painful or uncomfortable? Most patients report little or no discomfort during the procedure. You can request sedation during the procedure if you change your mind and feel you need it, although it has been my experience that this seldom occurs.
Common patient factors include inadequate bowel preparation, discomfort and intolerance, low body mass, female sex, and young age. Technical factors include diverticulosis, tortuosity, adhesions due to previous surgeries, angulation or fixation of bowel loops, and ineffective sedation.
Loops or angulation in the colon are possibly the most common patient-related source of difficulty. Some bends require additional skill to navigate. Loops, particularly in the sigmoid colon, can result in loss of control of the endoscope as well as patient discomfort.
While a colonoscopy is not considered a surgery, the procedure does involve some risks and should be discussed with your doctor prior to undergoing the procedure. A colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure that allows your doctor to view the inside of your large intestine, or colon.
Most colonoscopies take only 15-30 minutes to complete. As a reminder, most patients recall feeling minimal to no pain or discomfort during the procedure. After the colonoscopy is done, you will be observed in a recovery area until the effects of the anesthesia wear off.
This is a rough way to do it, but yes, you will have a very temporary weight loss of one to three pounds typically. But, just as with your bowel habits, these few pounds will return as well once you resume your normal diet.
The procedure is made more difficult if patients have longer colons, and we know that women in general have a deeper transverse colon, which can make that part of the colonoscopy more challenging; therefore, colonoscopy can be more challenging in women because the female pelvis is wider and deeper than the male pelvis.
In general, colonoscopy is a safe procedure. As with any medical procedure, however, there are some risks associated with the procedure and with the sedation used. You should contact your doctor if you feel severe abdominal pain, dizziness, fever, chills or rectal bleeding after the colonoscopy.
The sedation levels during the procedures may also differ. Endoscopies can be performed with minimal sedation, while colonoscopies typically require general anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable and relaxed throughout the process.
Pain after the procedure: Some people have stomach pain after a colonoscopy. A person may also experience mild irritation to their rectum, gas, or other digestive problems. These symptoms are usually mild and tend to go away in a few days.
Fear of colonoscopy is a very common phobia. However, there's no need to fear a colonoscopy procedure. Anxiety over the unknown is often the scariest part of a colon screening.
A typical screening colonoscopy for a generally healthy adult will take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes. Since the entire colonoscopy (from start to finish) is performed with sedation from the anesthesia physician or CRNA/CAA, this means you will be asleep for 15 to 45 minutes.
Background. Colonoscopies performed in the afternoon (PM) have been shown to have lower adenoma detection rates (ADR) compared to those in the morning (AM). Endoscopist fatigue has been suggested as a possible reason. Colonoscopies tend to be technically more challenging in female patients.
The night before your surgery, wash with soap you were given. Do not shave your abdomen (stomach) or pubic hair. Shaving before your surgery gives you a higher chance of getting an infection. A person from the health-care team will use clippers to get you ready for surgery if hair needs to be removed.
The tube is inserted into your bottom and goes around the large bowel. The ScotCap Test is a capsule that you swallow, and it contains 2 tiny cameras inside. The cameras take pictures of the lining of the bowel to look for any problems or signs of disease. This test can be used instead of a colonoscopy.
What happens during colonoscopy? Prior to the procedure, an intravenous catheter (IV) will be placed in a vein in your arm. Females of childbearing age may be asked to undergo a pregnancy test. Medicine (sedation) will be injected to help you feel relaxed and sleepy.
You may need a catheter (fine plastic drain tube) put in your front passage to drain the urine from your bladder until you are able to pass urine comfortably on your own.
Almost all colonoscopies in the United States are performed with patients under a level of sedation or anesthesia that prevents them from feeling anything. Often, patients are asleep for the entire procedure.
When you go in for a colonoscopy, you usually receive some type of anesthesia to help you manage the discomfort. These days, more people are receiving deep sedation with propofol for the colonoscopy, which lets them fall asleep rapidly—and quickly wake up.