Regarding the method of endoscopy for the upper gastrointestinal tract, colon, and rectum, it is not something to be afraid of or worried about because it is a modern, safe diagnostic and treatment technology. Often, people commonly refer to this type of endoscopy as “colonoscopy.”
Colonoscopy is a small, flexible tube with a camera and light at the tip to provide clear images during the examination. This allows the doctor to clearly see the internal pathology and accurately diagnose and treat various areas.
Benefits of Colon and Rectal Endoscopy
- To find the cause and treat bleeding in the colon
- To investigate abnormalities related to bowel movements such as chronic constipation or diarrhea, blood in stool, protruding polyps, bloating, abdominal fullness, anemia, and fatigue
- To detect colon cancer and assist in treating non-cancerous tumors (polyps) growing on the colon wall
Endoscopy Procedure
Before the Examination
Patients must avoid fiber-rich foods or vegetables about 2 days before the examination and take medications as prescribed by the doctor to help clear the colon. Provide details about chronic diseases, drug allergies, chemicals, regular medications, and past treatments and surgeries.
During the Examination
The doctor will administer medication to help the patient relax and sleep. Then, the endoscope will be inserted through the rectum and gradually advanced for diagnosis.
After the Endoscopy
After leaving the examination room, the patient must be monitored for at least 2 hours. On the day of the appointment, it is advisable to bring a relative. After the endoscopy, symptoms such as abdominal fullness or rectal pain may occur. If there are abnormal symptoms such as bloody stools or severe abdominal pain, the patient should promptly return to see the doctor.
Colonoscopy
In addition to diagnosing the colon and rectum, it can also examine the upper gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine. For this procedure, the doctor will spray a local anesthetic in the throat, have the patient lie on their side, and insert the endoscope through the mouth. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy helps evaluate symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, internal bleeding, stomach ulcers, and tumors. Patients should fast from food and water for at least 6 hours before the examination. Dentures should be removed, and it is recommended to bring a relative on the day of the endoscopy.
Dr. Sirinthip Sridemma
Head of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Liver Disease Center
Phyathai 3 Hospital
