What to Expect During a Colonoscopy From Sedation to Post-Procedure Care

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that allows your doctor to examine the inside of your colon to check for any abnormalities, such as polyps or tumors. It is essential to undergo this procedure to screen for colon cancer, especially if you are over 50 years old or have a family history of colon cancer.

While it is understandable to feel anxious or nervous about undergoing a colonoscopy, knowing what it entails can help alleviate some of the anxiety and make the process more comfortable.

Here is a guide, including everything you need to know about what to expect during a colonoscopy, from sedation to post-procedure care.

Before the Colonoscopy Procedure

Your doctor will give you clear instructions on how to prepare for your colonoscopy. Following these instructions is crucial to ensure that your colon is entirely clean and ready to be examined during the procedure.

You will need to avoid eating solid food for at least 24 hours before the procedure and drink clear liquids only. Your doctor will also prescribe a laxative to help you empty your bowels and give you specific guidelines on what to drink and when. It is essential to follow these instructions precisely to avoid complications during the procedure.

During the Colonoscopy Procedure

During a colonoscopy, you will be placed under conscious sedation, which means you will be relaxed and drowsy, but you will still be awake and able to communicate with your doctor. Your doctor will insert a long, flexible tube with a tiny camera attached to the end, through your rectum and into your colon. The camera will transmit images to a monitor, which your doctor will use to examine your colon and check for any abnormalities. The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of your case.

Post-Procedure Care

After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room, where you will be monitored until the sedation wears off. You may feel some mild discomfort and cramping, but these symptoms should go away quickly.

Your doctor will give you specific instructions on when and what to eat and drink after the procedure. You may need to avoid solid food for a few hours and drink only liquids until your bowel movements return to normal. Your doctor may also prescribe pain medication or antibiotics if necessary. It is essential to following your doctor’s instructions carefully to avoid complications and ensure a speedy recovery.

Possible Complications

Although colonoscopy is a safe and routine procedure, there is still a small risk of complications. The most common complication is bleeding, but it is usually minor and stops on its own. Some patients may experience a tear in the colon wall or an allergic reaction to the sedative, but these complications are rare. It is crucial to discuss any concerns or questions you may have with your doctor beforehand and follow their instructions carefully to avoid complications.

Proper preparation, conscious sedation, and post-procedure care are all essential components of a successful colonoscopy. Following your doctor’s instructions carefully will help ensure a safe, successful, and comfortable procedure.

Colonoscopy Near Me in Wooster, Ohio

Wooster Community Hospital offers colonoscopy as part of specialized gastroenterology services provided by a team of board-certified physicians. These professionals are dedicated to providing tailored exams and treatments for gastrointestinal conditions. Some of the specific services available include:

• Gastrointestinal Exams and Treatments: You can trust our highly skilled physicians who provide specialized exams and treatments tailored to specific patient needs.
• Endoscopy Services: Wooster Community Hospital has specially trained endoscopy nursing staff available at all times. They offer emergency endoscopy services 24/7 and regular endoscopy procedures.
• Colonoscopy: Wooster Community Hospital is proud to offer colonoscopies for both men and women in Wooster and the neighboring communities of Ohio. These noninvasive screening and diagnostic procedures are used to detect and remove precancerous growths in the lower gastrointestinal tract.

One of the gastroenterologists at Wooster Community Hospital is Dr. Rahsaan Friend, DO, MBS, who practices at Bloomington Gastroenterology. If you are looking for more information about the specific services we provide or other gastroenterologists at Wooster Community Hospital, you can visit the hospital’s website at woosterhospital.org/services/gastroenterology or woosterhospital.org/services/endoscopy.

Additionally, you can find a list of providers at woosterhospital.org/find-a-provider or check the U.S. News Doctor Finder at health.usnews.com.

However healthy you might be, do not take chances and put off your colonoscopy any longer. Talk to your doctor today about scheduling your screening.