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| Auckland
City Hospital Colonoscopy Information |
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| What is
Colonoscopy? |
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| Colonoscopy is an examination of the large bowel
(colon) which a specialist doctor performs using a narrow flexible
tube called a colonoscope.
The colonoscope has a wide angled camera in the tip and when
this is passed into your bowel an image of the inner lining is
captured. This image is transmitted to a television screen,
which the doctor views.
By advancing the endoscope along the length of the bowel, the
whole bowel can be viewed. Colonoscopy takes 20-30 minutes.
During the examination tiny samples of tissue called biopsies
may be taken for analysis under the microscope. Small wart-like
lumps called polyps are sometimes seen and can be removed. |
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| Will I be
asleep? |
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| You will be given a pain relieving medication to
keep you comfortable. You may also be given a sedating medication to
relax you. These medications will make you feel relaxed and may
cause you to forget what has happened. However, you will not be
asleep and you will be aware of what is happening to you.
After the procedure you will need to rest for 30-60 minutes,
depending on how long it takes you to return to normal.
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Going home after sedation
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After you have received these medications you must not drive,
operate machinery, take public transport unaccompanied, drink
alcohol or return to work until the following day. If you do not
have transport arranged you will be able to have the procedure
without sedation. Alternatively, another appointment will be made
for you which may be several weeks later.
If your transport arrangements are not as expected after you
have received sedation, you will be sent home through a "Dial a
Driver" service at your own cost. Dial a Driver may suit those
who wish to drive their car to the appointment, and be driven
home in it. A Dial a Driver service familiar with this
department's processes can be booked on 0800 422 234. Booking a
least one-day ahead is advantageous.
After colonoscopy you can arrange to be collected from the
department approximately two hours after your appointment time,
asking your driver to be flexible in case of delays.
Alternatively, the nurse can phone your driver when you are
ready. Another useful strategy is to ask your driver to phone
the nurse to check if you are ready, before leaving to collect
you. The contact phone number for such enquiries is (09) 630
9943 xtn 26114.
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| What are
the risks?
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| Complications of colonoscopy are uncommon. Most
surveys report complications in 1 in 1000 examinations or less.
Perforation (making a hole in the bowel) or major bleeding from the
bowel is extremely rare but if it occurs, may require an operation.
When polyps are removed during the examination there is a
slightly higher risk of perforation or bleeding. In the unlikely
event of haemorrhage occurring, a blood transfusion may be
necessary.
If you wish to have full details of rare complications, you should
indicate to your nurse before the procedure that you wish for
all possible complications to be fully discussed with the
doctor.
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How do I prepare?
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| Click here for Preparation instructions.
Morning
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Afternoon
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When will I know the results?
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A report detailing your results will be given to you before you
leave and a copy will be sent to your Hospital Specialist and
GP. The doctor will discuss any serious findings with you before
you leave the department.
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Colonoscopy
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Prior to your procedure nurse would like to
have a short phone conversation with you to assess your health /
special needs. This is a good opportunity to discuss any
concerns. Telephone (09) 630 9943 and enter 26114 # when you are
asked to key in the extension number. Nurses are available
Mon-Fri 0800 - 1600.
Diabetics, or people using blood-thinning medication (warfarin,
aspirin) should
phone six days before their procedure for instructions
about taking medication.
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Ministry of Health
