Indications for the test

1. Age 50-65 years and no symptoms of colon cancer, 
2. Over 40 years of age and at least one first-degree relative with a diagnosis of colon cancer,
3. Age 25-65 years and coming from a family at special risk 
4. Fresh blood in the stool
5. Anemia due to iron deficiency; 
6. Inflammatory bowel disease; 
7. Constipation; 
8. Alternating diarrhea and constipation
9. Persistent diarrhea and pencil-shaped stools 
10. Diverticula of the colon 

Contraindications

1. Exacerbation of symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease; 
2. Peritonitis; 
3. Second and third trimester of pregnancy; 
4. Problems with blood clotting, especially if polyp removal or biopsy is necessary; 
5. Serious heart or lung disease.

Preparation for the examination

People with diabetes should inform the doctor and the laboratory staff about their diabetes immediately after reporting for the examination. 
Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should consult the attending physician about how to prepare for the examination. 
Iron preparations should be stopped 7 days before the examination. Fruits containing pits and bread with grains, muesli, linseed, poppy seeds, etc. It is also not recommended to eat red beets! They can distort the color of the intestinal mucosa. 
Three days before the colonoscopy, you should switch to a liquid diet. 
A special laxative should be taken the day before the examination. After taking the medicine, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids, about 3 liters per day. 
On the day of the examination, you should refrain from eating. Drinking non-carbonated water is allowed. Before the examination, thoroughly wash the area around the anus and perineum.

Test

Endoscopic examination involves inserting a special endoscope into the large intestine through the rectum. A flexible instrument called a colonoscope, 130 to 200 cm long. The vision tracks in the endoscope allow for the presentation of an image from the inside of the digestive tract. Polyps can be removed during the examination. The procedure is painless and you can return to your daily activities immediately after its completion. Colonoscopy is performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia (sedation).

After the examination

If the examination is performed under anaesthesia, the patient is usually observed for 1-2 hours. In rare cases, longer observation may be necessary. Driving and drinking alcohol are not allowed for 12 hours after the procedure. After the examination, you may feel bloating and cramps caused by air introduced into the intestine during the examination.

What are the indications for a colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is recommended for symptoms such as chronic abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, abnormal stool test results, and as a preventive measure against colon cancer in people over 50 years of age or those at increased risk.

How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?

Before the colonoscopy, the patient must follow the doctor's recommendations regarding diet, usually starting with light meals and switching to fluids for one to two days before the test. It is also necessary to take laxatives to thoroughly cleanse the intestines.

Is a colonoscopy painful?

Colonoscopy is not usually painful, although it can be a little uncomfortable. To minimize discomfort, patients are often given sedatives or anesthesia, which makes the procedure well-tolerated by most people.

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