Colonoscopy and the removal of polyps
(colonoscopy and polypectomy)A flexible, approximately 1.40 meter long and 1.5 centimeter thin endoscope is used for colonoscopy. This small probe is fitted with a camera at its tip. During the examination, the endoscope is advanced from the anus through the entire large intestine to the mouth of the small intestine. In most cases, the end of the small intestine can also be viewed. As there is a powerful light on the probe, the intestine is illuminated. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is blown into the intestine via a channel in the endoscope so that it expands and the condition of the mucous membranes can be better viewed and assessed.
If necessary, tissue samples can be taken immediately from conspicuous areas using small forceps that are inserted into the bowel through another channel of the endoscope. Pathological changes, such as polyps, are removed as soon as possible. While the removal of tissue samples or polyps is painless, the endoscopy itself can be uncomfortable or even painful, especially due to the injection of CO2. For this reason, we can provide you with a mild short-term anesthetic (sedation) on request, so that you are not aware of the entire examination.
Before the examination
For a good assessment of the colon, it must be thoroughly cleaned by means of an irrigation treatment. Please follow the instructions in the document "Preparation for colonoscopy" exactly! You can obtain the prescription for the drinking solution for the irrigation treatment (e.g. Kleanprep®, Endofalk®) from your physician or in our outpatient clinic.
Rinsing treatment can reduce or even cancel out the effectiveness of medication you are taking. This is particularly important when taking the contraceptive pill. You should always consult your physician if you are taking medication (e.g. rheumatism medication, insulin). If you are taking anticoagulant medication, you must consult your physician before continuing to take it.
If you are unable to carry out the preparation as described or cannot tolerate it, please contact us. Please also inform us if you are unable to attend the appointment.
You can download the instructions for preparation as a PDF document here: Preparation for colonoscopy
After the examination
You can eat and drink as usual after the colonoscopy. Please consult your physician regarding the intake of medication after the examination, especially anticoagulants. Discomfort in the anal area, flatulence or nausea after a colonoscopy are generally harmless and disappear spontaneously.
After a sedative injection or short anesthetic has been administered, you will be monitored by our specialist staff in a specially equipped recovery room until you are fully awake and oriented again. Depending on the dose of medication required, this usually takes between 30 minutes and two hours. You will then have the opportunity to talk to the physicians about the results of the examination.
If you have received a sedative injection or short anesthetic, you must not actively participate in road traffic, make important decisions or carry out dangerous activities for 24 hours afterwards. It is advisable to bring someone with you who can accompany you home.
If you experience any symptoms such as pain, fever, sweating, vomiting, vomiting blood or blood in the stool after the examination, you should go to the hospital's emergency room or your physician immediately.
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