On the procedure day….
When you arrive
Please report to the receptionist in the Endoscopy Unit. One of the nursing team will escort you to the ward area, explain the test, and ask you some questions about your general health and medication. Please note that waiting room space for relatives is limited and that children and infants are NOT allowed in the Unit. You may find that you have to wait a while before it is your turn to have the examination and / or to speak to the Endoscopist afterwards, so feel free to bring a book or a newspaper.
Signing the Consent Form
One of the doctors will come to talk to you and answer any queries you may have. They will ensure that you understand the procedure, the benefits and any possible risks, and will then ask you to sign a consent form.
The vast majority of colonoscopies are performed without complication. Although the staff of the Endoscopy Unit are very experienced, as for any procedure, there are some small risks involved such as reactions to the medication. Very rarely, a small tear can be made in the colon, ‘perforation’, and there is a small risk of bleeding, ‘haemorrhage’. These complications are rare (less than one in 500 examinations), but may require urgent treatment, blood transfusion or even an operation. The risk of a perforation or bleeding is increased (but is still less than one in 100 examinations) if it is necessary to remove a polyp from the colon.
During the examination
Once in the examination room you will be made comfortable on your left side on the couch and the doctor will give you a sedative injection to make you rather sleepy and relaxed. This is not a general anaesthetic, you will be awake and aware of the procedure. A nurse and the endoscopist will stay with you throughout the test. Oxygen will be given through a little sponge placed into one of your nostrils and your pulse, blood pressure and oxygen levels will be monitored.
When the doctor puts the colonoscope into your back passage it should not cause you pain but may be uncomfortable. During this time the endoscopist passes air through the scope into your bowel to get a clearer view. This may give you wind-like pains, but they will not last long. You may get the sensation of wanting to go to the toilet, but, as the bowel is empty, there is no danger of this happening. You may need to pass wind but, although this may seem embarrassing, remember the staff do understand what is causing it. The air is sucked out at the end of the test. The test usually lasts from 15-45 minutes. If you need treatment given through the colonoscope, this may take longer.
After the Colonoscopy examination
Having been sedated, you will need to remain on the trolley in the recovery area for at least an hour until the effects of the sedation have worn off. You may feel a little bloated and have wind pains but these usually settle quickly.
Once you are awake and ready to go home, (perhaps 2-3 hours after your appointment time) the endoscopist who carried out your colonoscopy will come and talk to you and explain the findings.
We produce a printed report of your colonoscopy immediately after the examination and usually send this your GP within 24 hours. If the endoscopist feels that you need a follow up consultation in the Outpatients Department, this will be arranged.
The sedative may make you drowsy for the rest of the day and, even if you may feel wide awake, your reactions may still be affected. You may find it difficult to concentrate and you may forget things that you have been told. You will be given all the written discharge information that you need. You may resume your normal diet as soon as you feel able.
You must arrange for an escort to accompany you home from the Endoscopy unit afterwards and a responsible adult to look after you for the rest of the day. Please ask your escort to ring and ask for your discharge time on 020 8321 2585. You must tell us in advance if this is not possible. Your appointment may be cancelled if these arrangements have not been made.
FOR 24 HOURS AFTER THE TEST YOU SHOULD NOT DRIVE, RIDE A BICYCLE, OPERATE MACHINERY, SIGN ANY LEGAL DOCUMENTS, TAKE SEDATIVES OR ALCOHOL.
If you have any questions regarding your colonoscopy appointment do not hesitate to contact the Endoscopy Unit on 020 8321 5752.
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