Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a clinical test that is done to examine whether the inner lining of the large intestine (colon and rectum) is affected with disease. It involves the use of colonoscope, a flexible tube to collect tissue samples from the diseased part of the large intestine. Tissue samples are examined to find ulcers, tumors, polyps and bleeding or inflammation in the inner lining of the intestine.

Preparation

The length of colonoscope ranges form 48 to 72 inches. The first thing that you are required to do before going for the test is to clean out the colon. It is known as colon prep. It takes one to two days and that depends on the type of colon prep that is recommended by your doctor. Many people find it more annoying than the test. During the colon prep, you should stay home, as you will have to visit the toilet several times. It causes frequent stools, diarrhea and loose so as to keep the colon empty during the test. You can take soft drinks or fruit juices during the prep.

Advantages

Colonoscopy test is done to find diseases of the colon, rectum or anus. The symptoms of anus affected, colon or colon ailments are constipation, pus or blood in the faces, bleeding form the rectum and ongoing lower pain. Most experts recommend people who are at no risk of developing colorectal cancer to undergo a screening test at the age of 50. People who are at risk of developing colorectal cancer go through the skinning test at the age of 40.
The other purposes of colonoscopy are to check for rectal cancer, treat inflammatory bowel disease, and remove foreign bodies. It is also done to check what causes chronic diarrhea and bleeding in the colon.

Alternatives to Colonoscopy

Good alternatives to colonoscopy are FOBT (fecal occult blood testing), DCBE (double-contrast barium enema) and sigmoidoscopy. If you are one of those who are at high risk of suffering from colon cancer, consult a doctor regarding which test you should go for.