Colonoscopy
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure used to examine the entire large bowel (colon and rectum). It is considered the gold standard for screening and diagnosing conditions affecting the lower gastrointestinal tract.
During the procedure, Dr Selvanderan uses a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope, which has a light and a high-definition camera, to visually inspect the lining of the colon.
Why might you need a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is performed for diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic reasons. These include:
Bowel cancer screening
Surveillance after the removal of polyps or in patients with a history of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Unexplained symptoms such as rectal bleeding, persistent change in bowel habits (diarrhoea or constipation), or chronic abdominal pain.
Unexplained iron deficiency anaemia (to look for a source of blood loss).
Polypectomy (removal of precancerous polyps).
Controlling bleeding from lesions or vascular malformations.
Biopsies to diagnose conditions like IBD or cancer.
Preparing for your colonoscopy
To ensure the procedure is safe and effective, the bowel must be completely clean. This requires a specific preparation process. Dr Selvanderan’s rooms will provide detailed instructions regarding the preparation.
Bowel preparation: You will be required to take a prescribed liquid preparation (bowel prep) the day before and/or the morning of the procedure. This will cause frequent, watery bowel movements to clean out the colon.
Dietary restrictions: There will be certain dietary restrictions prior to the procedure.
Fasting: You must not eat or drink anything for a specified period, typically 6 hours prior to the procedure.
Medication: You will be advised on which medications you should stop or continue. Blood-thinning medications, iron supplements or diabetes medications may need to be stopped or adjusted prior to the procedure.
What to expect?
The procedure is performed by Dr Selvanderan at several leading Melbourne hospitals and typically takes 30 minutes.
Sedation: A specialist anaesthetist will administer intravenous sedation (a 'twilight sleep') to ensure you are comfortable and have little-to-no memory of the procedure.
During the procedure: You will lie on your left side. The colonoscope is gently passed through the rectum and guided through the entire length of the colon to the caecum and into the terminal ileum. Carbon dioxide gas is used to gently inflate the colon for a clear view.
Your Recovery
You will be monitored in a recovery area until the effects of the sedation wear off.
Discharge: You will usually be ready to go home within 1-2 hours after the procedure.
Post-sedation: You must not drive or operate machinery for the rest of the day. A responsible adult must escort you home and stay with you.
Bloating and gas: You may feel bloated or pass wind frequently as the gas used during the procedure leaves your system.
Results: Dr Selvanderan will discuss the preliminary findings with you before you leave. A procedure report will be sent to your referring doctor. Biopsy results typically take several days and will be communicated to you and your referring doctor subsequently. Where required, a follow-up consultation will be arranged by Dr Selvanderan’s rooms.
Risks
Colonoscopy is a very safe procedure. Potential risks, though rare, include:
Perforation: A tear in the wall of the colon (risk is approximately 1 in 1,000 procedures, slightly higher if complex polyp removal is performed).
Bleeding: Occurs in a small number of patients, particularly if a polyp is removed. Severe bleeding is rare and can usually be treated endoscopically.
Reaction to sedation: Risks associated with the sedative medication.
Bowel preparation complications: Rarely, dehydration or electrolyte imbalance can occur.
Book your colonoscopy with an expert
Dr Shane performs high-quality colonoscopy for effective bowel cancer screening, polyp removal (including large/complex polyps), and investigation of lower gastrointestinal symptoms.