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| What is
a limited 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 back passage an image
of the lining of the bowel is captured. This image is transmitted to
a television screen, which the doctor views. By advancing the
endoscope the entire colon can be viewed. In a limited colonoscopy
usually only the sigmoid colon (the first part of the bowel) is
viewed. This takes approximately 10-15 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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| Is
colonoscopy safe? |
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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. |
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| Will I be
asleep? |
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| You may choose to undergo the procedure with or
without sedation.
Without Sedation
you will be completely alert and aware of what is happening. You
will be ready to leave the department shortly after the
procedure and may drive yourself home or return to work.
With Sedation
an injection will make you feel relaxed and may cause you to
forget what has happened. You will not be asleep and you will be
aware of what is happening to you. After sedation you will need
to rest for 30-60 minutes or until you are fully awake. Somebody
must collect you from the department and drive you home.
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Going home after sedation
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After you have received sedation 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. If this is not acceptable to
you, your appointment will be re-scheduled. 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 09-303 0306. Booking at least one-day
before your appointment is advised.
After sedation you can arrange to be collected from the
department approximately one and a half-hours after your
appointment time. Your driver should 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 phone number for such enquiries is (09) 630
9943 Extn 26114.
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How do I prepare?
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You do not need to do any preparation at home. Once you arrive at
the department for your appointment, a nurse will assist you to
get ready by giving you an enema to clear the lower bowel.
An enema is a small amount of fluid that goes into your back
passage and stimulates you to pass a bowel motion. Once you have
had a bowel motion you will be ready for colonoscopy.
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When will I know the results?
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A full report of your examination will be given to you before you
leave and a copy of this will be sent to your hospital
specialist and your GP. The doctor will discuss any serious
findings with you before you leave the department.
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Limited
Colonoscopy
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Prior to your procedure a nurse would like to
have a 10 minute conversation with you to assess your
health/special needs. This is a good opportunity to discuss any
concerns.
People using
blood-thinning medication (warfarin, aspirin) should
phone six days before their procedure for instructions
about taking medication. Telephone (09) 630 9943 and enter 26114
# when you are asked to key in the extension number. Nurses are
available Mon-Fri, 0800 - 1600.
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Ministry of Health
