Colonoscopy Overview

Colonoscopy is a medical examination that directly observes the inside of the large intestine (colon and rectum) through an endoscope. It is mainly used to screen, diagnose and treat intestinal diseases. During the examination, the doctor inserts a soft, thin tube (colonoscope) with a camera from the anus and gradually advances it to the end of the large intestine to display real-time images of the inner wall of the intestine. The core value of colonoscopy isEarly detection of polyps, tumors, inflammation and other lesions, and biopsy or resection treatment can be performed simultaneously. The main contents include the purpose of examination, applicable groups, operating procedures, precautions and risks, among which screening for colorectal cancer and precancerous lesions is the focus.

Applicable scenarios and necessity of colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is the “gold standard” for colorectal cancer screening, especially forPeople over 45 years old, those with family medical history or long-term intestinal discomfort. For example, symptoms such as persistent blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss require colonoscopy to determine the cause. In addition, colonoscopy can detect millimeter-sized polyps and remove them directly during the examination to prevent their possibility of becoming cancerous. Compared with indirect screening methods such as fecal occult blood tests, colonoscopy is more accurate and can reduce colorectal cancer mortality by about 70% (data source:American Cancer Society).

Examination process and patient preparation

Colonoscopy requires intestinal cleansing 1-3 days in advance. Patients need to take laxatives and fast to ensure that there are no residues in the intestines that will affect observation. During the examination, the patient is usually placed in the left lateral decubitus position, and the doctor will give sedatives to relieve discomfort as appropriate. The whole process takes about 20-60 minutes, and may be extended if lesions are found. A short period of observation is required after the operation, and driving or strenuous activities should be avoided. A common discomfort is abdominal bloating, which can be relieved by passing gas. It is worth noting thatPainless colonoscopyThrough intravenous anesthesia, it is possible to "get it done in one sleep", but family members are required to accompany you.

Potential risks and precautions

Colonoscopy is generally safe, but there is a very low risk of bleeding, perforation or anesthesia reaction, which is more common after polyp removal. Patients need to inform the doctor in advance of their medication history (such as anticoagulants) and allergy history. If you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, or a large amount of blood in your stool after surgery, you need to seek medical attention immediately. In addition, it is recommended that healthy people should have reexamination every 5-10 years, and high-risk people should shorten it to 1-3 years. The cost of examination varies greatly depending on the region and hospital level. An ordinary colonoscopy costs about 300-800 yuan, and a painless colonoscopy adds an anesthesia fee of 500-1,500 yuan.

Summary and scientific suggestions

Colonoscopy is the core method for preventing and diagnosing intestinal diseases. Its advantages are that it is intuitive, accurate and has therapeutic functions. Although the preparation work is a little tedious, it can significantly improve the cure rate of early-stage cancer (the 5-year survival rate of early-stage colorectal cancer exceeds 90%). The public should abandon their fear of examinations and follow doctors’ recommendations for regular screening. At present, the main brands of domestic colonoscopy equipment includeOlympus, Fuji, Pentaxetc., the technology is mature and reliable. Ultimately, a healthy lifestyle combined with regular screening is the best guarantee for gut health.

References:
1. American Cancer Society "Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines" 2023 Edition
2. "Expert Consensus on Early Colorectal Cancer Screening Process in China" by the Digestive Endoscopy Branch of the Chinese Medical Association
3. Olympus official website colonoscopy product technical description