3 Mount Elizabeth, #14-15, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a diagnostic and investigative procedure that allows doctors to examine the large intestine, which includes both the colon and rectum. Colonoscopies are crucial in identifying and even treating various gastrointestinal conditions including colon cancer –  the most common cancer among men and women in Singapore, with rising rates among young adults.  
A colonoscopy utilises a colonoscope, a flexible tube equipped with a small camera and light to visualise the health of a patient’s colon and identify the root causes of colon-related symptoms. Besides visual examination,  a colonoscope is often used in procedures such as colon biopsies and polyp removals.
Colonoscopies are pertinent in the prevention and early detection of colon cancer.

How does a colonoscopy work?

Preparation for a colonoscopy typically begins a day or two before the procedure, with patients following a clear liquid diet and taking laxatives to clear the bowel. On the day of the procedure, patients are sedated to ensure comfort. Lying on their side, usually with knees drawn toward the chest, the colonoscope is gently inserted through the anus and advanced through the rectum into the colon. The camera at the tip of the colonoscope transmits high-definition images to a monitor, allowing the doctor to inspect the mucosal lining carefully.
During the examination, if our specialist detects polyps or other suspicious growths, tools may be passed through the colonoscope to remove polyps or perform biopsies. The necessity of these extra procedures will be left to the specialist's discretion.  The procedure generally lasts 30 to 60 minutes, though additional time is needed for preparation and recovery.
A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the inner lining of the large intestine.

What are the benefits of a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy offers several significant advantages for the detection and treatment of colon-related issues.

Increases survival rate:

one of the primary benefits of a colonoscopy is its ability to detect colorectal cancer  at an early, more treatable stage. Early detection significantly increases the survival rate of colon cancer.

Diagnostic accuracy:

colonoscopies provide a comprehensive view of the colon, allowing for accurate diagnosis of conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diverticulosis, and determining the sources of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Minimally invasive:

colonoscopies do not require surgical incisions, resulting in a lower risk of complications and a quicker recovery time compared to more invasive procedures.

Therapeutic capabilities:

beyond diagnosis, colonoscopies are also used to treat certain symptoms such as rectal bleeding.

Prevention of disease progression:

Prevention of disease progression:
colonoscopies are crucial in preventing the worsening of gastrointestinal conditions such as the progression of colonic polyps to cancer. 
Smaller polyps can removed during colonoscopy to prevent the progression of disease.

What conditions can a colonoscopy diagnose or treat?

Colonoscopy is a versatile procedure used to diagnose and sometimes treat various conditions, including:

Colorectal cancer:

screening and detecting colorectal cancer.

Tumours and growths:

identifying or removing small benign or malignant (stage 0-1) masses.

Polyps:

identification and removal of small polyps

Inflammatory Bowel Disease:

diagnosing and assessing the severity of IBD, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Diverticulosis and diverticulitis:

to diagnose and monitor diverticular diseases.

Haemorrhoids:

detect, diagnose and potentially excise haemorrhoids if deemed necessary

Bowel obstructions:

by straightening twisted colon or inserting a stent where narrowing of bowel passage is present.

Ischemic colitis:

diagnosing ischemic colitis– a condition characterised by reduced blood flow in the large intestine.

Infections:

detecting infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that may be causing inflammation in the colon.

Unexplained symptoms:

investigating causes of chronic diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss.

Iron deficiency anaemia:

determining the presence of bleeding in the colon resulting in anaemia.
If you suspect that you are suffering from any of the conditions above,  don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Schedule your colonoscopy at CRCS Clinic today to protect your health and ensure peace of mind.

What results can I expect from a colonoscopy?

The outcomes of a colonoscopy depend on the findings during the procedure:

Normal results:

if the colon is healthy and no abnormalities are found, this result is reassuring. Routine screenings can be arranged at recommended intervals.

Abnormal results:

where abnormalities are present, these may be addressed during the procedure itself (such as the removal of smaller polyps). In more serious cases– such as the detection of advanced colon cancer, tissue samples will be collected for histopathological examination. Results of these biopsies usually return within a week, guiding further plans such as oncology treatment.

How many colonoscopy sessions are needed?

A single colonoscopy session is generally sufficient for screening or diagnostic purposes. However, the frequency of follow-up colonoscopies depends on individual risk factors and initial findings:

Risk-based screening

Average risk individuals:

for those without significant risk factors, screenings are recommended every 10 years starting at age 45.

Increased risk individuals:

if polyps are found, more frequent colonoscopies may be necessary. The interval can range from every 3 to 5 years, depending on the number, size, and type of polyps removed.

Individuals with high-risk conditions:

those with a family history of colon cancer, certain genetic conditions, or inflammatory bowel disease, may require more frequent surveillance.

Screening for monitoring purposes

A follow-up colonoscopy may be necessitated to monitor the progress of recovery or to determine the need for surgical intervention in the future. Additionally, follow-up colonoscopies may also be necessary in cases such as where polyps removal could not be completed within one session.

Frequently Asked Questions

While generally safe, risks can include bleeding (especially if polyps are removed), perforation of the colon wall, and adverse reactions to sedation. These complications are infrequent and often manageable.

Generally, you can return to your normal diet after the procedure unless your doctor advises otherwise. However, it's common to start with light meals and avoid heavy or greasy foods immediately after the procedure.

No, you will need someone to drive you home due to the sedative effects of the anaesthesia. It’s advisable to rest for the remainder of the day after the procedure.

Most patients can resume their normal activities the day after the procedure, although it's recommended to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least 24 hours to allow your body to recover fully.

Location

Colorectal Care Specialists (CRCS)

3 Mount Elizabeth, #14-15, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510

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