During a colonoscopy I usually look for polyps (screening), inflammation, (e.g. colitis or Crohn's Disease) or a source of bleeding. The colon needs to be empty for this examination, which is why you are asked to prepare carefully by refraining from certain foods and using laxatives before the exam. The examination takes about 40 minutes.
It is important I can visually inspect every corner of the colon during endoscopy! Clear vision and good preparation is vital for a safe and complete examination. Further information regarding the preparation for colonoscopy is available at this link www.ggp.center/patienten.
I recommend a colonoscopy when you have persistent symptoms and especially 'red flags' such as blood in your stool, abdominal pain, changed stool patterns (new diarrhoea or constipation) and weight loss. Colonoscopy is an important screening tool for cancer. I find polyps as possible precursers of cancer during every third screening colonoscopy. Your risk for colon cancer is increased if your parents or siblings had colon cancer or polyps.
Your safety and comfort are my greatest concern. My aim is to let you relax by providing clear information, a sensitive, warm and professional environment, and top-level safety measure. My 'dream' team and I will welcome you, answer your questions and receive your informed consent, and prepare you (venous catheter, safety blood pressure and oxygen monitoring). Let me k ow if you want me to treat any haemorrhoids. You will soon gently fall asleep with the help of an intravenous sedative (propofol). You will not feel anything related to the procedure while you sleep and breathe without any assistance except extra oxygen given through your nose. While you sleep, I will perform the endoscopy through your anus and take the usual biopsies.You will awaken gently after about 25 minutes. After a drink we will take some time to discuss the immediately available results of the endoscopy. Once you are steady on your legs you can leave - preferably with someone to accompany you. Please do not drive or operate heavy machinery today.
For many years I performed endoscopies while patients were awake. This is now an exception, as endoscopic equipment has changed, making the examinations more uncomfortable. The detailed inspection of the internal organs is easier when you are relaxed. Overall, endoscopy is just simply so much more pleasant for you and more likely to be complete with sedation. Our monitoring ensures maximum safety during sedation.
You will awaken gently after the endoscopy and the effect of the sedative will wear off after a short time. After a drink we will take some time to discuss the immediately available results of the endoscopy. Once you are steady on your legs you can leave - preferably with someone to accompany you. Please do not drive or operate heavy machinery today.
You can eat normally immediately following endoscopy. Your family doctor (GP) will receive the my report and the biopsy results within a few days. He/she will discuss the results and implications with you.
