Lower endoscopy examines the lower gastrointestinal tract for inflammation, polyps, and cancer. Medications like NSAIDs should be stopped before the procedure, and the colon must be completely empty. Anesthesia and sedatives are given during the exam, and the patient will need to be driven home afterward. Biopsy results should be available within seven days.
A lower endoscopy is an examination of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract with an endoscopic camera inserted through the anus. The rectum, colon, and sigmoid colon are thoroughly inspected in a procedure that combines a colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy. Endoscopy of the lower gastrointestinal tract may be used to identify inflammation, remove polyps, biopsy tissue samples, or diagnose cancer.
Some prescription and over-the-counter medications shouldn’t be taken before lower endoscopy. To reduce the risk of excessive bleeding from an accidental incision in the colon during the exam, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be stopped one week before the appointment. People taking blood thinners, such as heparin, may need to be supervised by a doctor while temporarily stopping anticoagulant medications.
The colon must be completely empty before lower endoscopy. A liquid diet may be advised a day or two before the exam. Most people are asked to stop eating at least twelve hours before their lower endoscopy appointment, due in part to the risk of side effects from the anesthesia administered during the procedure and also the need for an empty digestive tract.
To ensure that the colon is cleansed of all fecal matter, an enema is usually needed the night before and the morning of the lower endoscopy procedure. Adding fluid to the rectum and colon increases the peristaltic movements of the bowel, rapidly emptying the contents. A laxative may be added to the regimen to aid in the rapid expulsion of fecal contents prior to endoscopic examination.
Before the lower endoscopy, anesthesia and a sedative may be given to relax the patient during the exam and eliminate any uncomfortable sensations that may occur during the exam. These two drugs are usually given through an intravenous (IV) line. Due to the sedative and anesthesia, the patient’s vital signs will be closely monitored throughout the procedure.
During the lower endoscopy, the patient will be lying on their left side. A long, thin tube with a fiberoptic lens is gently inserted into the anus. Short bursts of air can be sent through the tube into the colon to allow the doctor to easily visualize the lining inside. If you see suspicious-looking tissue, you can take a biopsy through the endoscopic instrument. A polypectomy may be performed immediately to remove any polyps seen during the exam.
After the exam has been completed, the patient will still be affected by the anesthetic and sedative used for the procedure. Most people are advised not to make any financial or legal decisions within 24 hours of the exam. The patient will not be able to drive safely after the appointment and will need to be driven home. The results of any biopsy should be available within seven days of the exam.
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