Video Transcript
What is a colonoscopy and why do I need one? [05:38]
In this video, you’ll learn about what a colonoscopy is, why your doctor wants you to have one, and the benefits and risks of this test.
[What is a colonoscopy?]
A colonoscopy lets your doctor see the inside lining of the rectum and colon. The colon is also called the large intestine or bowel.
This test is done using a colonoscope which is a long, thin, flexible tube with a light and camera on the end.
[Reasons to have a colonoscopy]
There are 3 main reasons to have a colonoscopy.
The first is for follow-up after an abnormal FIT result or to check on specific symptoms.
The second is for monitoring after colorectal treatments.
And the third is to screen for colorectal cancer.
Screening means looking for early signs of cancer, in people who feel well and have no symptoms.
[Screening for colorectal cancer]
In the context of colorectal cancer screening, a FIT is the recommended screening test for people at average risk, starting at age 50.
It’s an easy test, done at home that checks for hidden blood in the stool.
If blood is found, your doctor or healthcare provider may want you to have a colonoscopy to find the cause.
Colorectal cancer often starts as a growth in the colon or rectum, called a polyp.
Your doctor may also want you to have a colonoscopy if you or a close family member has had colon cancer or polyps in the past.
A polyp may be harmless, but over time, some turn into cancer.
With regular screening, colorectal cancer can be found early, and many types of polyps can be found and removed before they turn into cancer.
For more information about screening for colorectal cancer, watch the other videos in this series or visit screeningforlife.ca.
[Symptoms]
Your doctor or healthcare provider may also want you to have a colonoscopy if you have symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, belly pain, blood in your stool, or unexplained weight loss.
These symptoms can be caused by different conditions.
A colonoscopy can help your doctor find the cause of your symptoms and discuss next steps with you.
[Informed consent]
Before you agree to have a colonoscopy, you should understand the risks and benefits, and feel comfortable with your decision.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask your doctor or nurse before your colonoscopy appointment.
[The risks of colonoscopy]
Overall, a colonoscopy is safe.
But, like any medical test, there’s a small chance that problems can occur.
Before having a colonoscopy, you’ll need to drink a strong laxative medicine to clean out your colon.
This can sometimes cause nausea, vomiting, dehydration, or dizziness.
Severe dehydration can cause falls, electrolyte imbalances, or kidney issues.
Electrolytes are minerals that your body needs. The best way to prevent dehydration is to drink lots of clear fluids.
For the test, most people have sedation medicine through an intravenous line or IV to help them feel calm and comfortable.
Rarely, problems from sedation medicine can occur, including, low blood pressure, breathing problems, or an allergic reaction.
Although the test is very thorough, there’s a chance that cancer or polyps could be missed.
Bleeding can happen where a polyp is removed, or a tissue sample is taken.
Rarely, a colonoscopy can cause a hole or tear in the colon. Infection can occur in the colon, or at the IV site.
If a serious problem happens, you might need surgery, antibiotics, or a blood transfusion.
In extremely rare cases, damage to nearby organs or a serious complication from a colonoscopy can result in death.
[The benefits of colonoscopy]
Although the risk of a serious problem is very low, there are many benefits of having a colonoscopy.
It can help diagnose problems in the bowel and can also prevent colorectal cancer by finding and removing polyps.
When colorectal cancer is found early, 90% of cases can be treated successfully.
The number of people who benefit from a colonoscopy is much higher than the number who have problems.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or want to discuss alternatives to a colonoscopy.
For more information visit ahs.ca/colonoscopy and watch the other videos in this series.
