What is a
colonoscope?
A colonoscope is an instrument used for performing colonoscopy. It
is a flexible tube with an eye piece or video screen. The instrument
allows the doctor to see the inside of the large intestine (colon).
This procedure may be done at the patient's bedside, in the
gastrointestinal (GI) laboratory, or in the operating room. The
pateint receives sedation and pain medication prior to the procedure
and rarely recalls the procedure itself. The doctor inserts the
colonoscope through the anus and rectum into the colon. With use of
the colonoscope, the doctor can assess a colon blockage, infection
or injury, including injury to the colon from a lack of blood flow
(ischemia) or other diseases. Frequently, small pieces of tissue
from the colon are obtained (biopsy) and sent to the laboratory to
help diagnose the patient's condition.
Are there any potential procedures
associated with use of a colonoscope?
Complications of colonoscopy include cramping, feeling bloated,
bleeding, or a small hole made in the colon occasionally requiring
surgery to repair (colon perforation). Colon perforation is uncommon
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Colonoscope
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Colonoscope eyepiece
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Colonoscope
