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What is a colonoscopy? How is it done? How long does a colonoscopy take?

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WHAT IS COLONOSCOPY?

Colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure for imaging the inner surface of the intestines with a device called a colonoscope and, if necessary, removing suspicious tissues and examining them in a laboratory environment.

Colonoscopy, which is also used for the purpose of intervening existing bleeding in the large intestine, which is the last part of the digestive system, and for the treatment of early colon cancer formations, is a short-term application that does not require hospitalization.

Colonoscope device, which is used to view the rectum and large intestine in detail by entering through the anus, 1 cm. diameter and about 60 cm. consists of a long flexible tube.

The images obtained thanks to the cold light source and optical imaging system at the end are projected onto the monitor and simultaneously recorded on the computer.

In the light of the images obtained, the physician can diagnose many problems in the large intestine. It can also be applied for detailed examination of the relevant tissue in the laboratory environment, by taking a sample tissue piece from the suspicious area, or in other words, by performing a biopsy.

HOW IS A COLONOSCOPY PERFORMED?

Before the colonoscopy is performed, the patient is given sedative and pain medications to make him feel more comfortable.

Colonoscopy trousers with open back similar to the surgical gown, specially designed for the colonoscopy procedure, are worn. Electrodes are attached to different parts of the patient’s body in order to monitor the patient’s breathing, blood pressure and pulse. After the patient is placed on the examination table, he is asked to pull his knees towards his chest.

Thanks to this position, known as the colonoscopy position, the physician easily inserts the colonoscopy device into the anus. The image obtained by the camera at the end of the colonoscope device is projected onto the monitor.

In some cases, carbon dioxide gas is injected into the intestines, as in laparoscopic surgery, so that the intestines can be viewed more comfortably and in detail, intestines inflated.

Thanks to the detailed image obtained from the colonoscope advanced along the large intestine, the physician can perform a biopsy from the region he deems necessary, again with the help of the special tools in the colonoscope device, and can also remove these formations with the colonoscope device in case of polyps in the large intestine wall.

During the whole process, the image obtained by the colonoscope device is recorded and when the procedure is finished, the colonoscope is removed by the physician.

HOW LONG DOES A COLONOSCOPY TAKE?

Although it varies according to the process, the process takes between 15 and 60 minutes on average. However, after colonoscopy, the patient should rest in the hospital for about an hour.

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