Colostomy

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Ministry of Health

NZ Government

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Published: 24/11/2011

LGI Endoscopy via Colostomy

What is an endoscopic examination?

An endoscopic examination of the bowel is a close internal inspection of the bowel using an endoscope, a narrow, flexible tube-like instrument. The endoscope has a wide angled camera in the tip and when this is passed into your bowel (through your stoma) an image of the inner lining can be 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. The procedure takes approximately 10-20 minutes. During the examination it is possible for the doctor to take tiny samples of tissue called biopsies for examination under the microscope.

What are the risks?

For inspections of the bowel alone, complications 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 colonoscopy 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 to discuss these with the doctor performing the procedure.

Will I be asleep?

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 approximately 10 minutes 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.

Going home after sedation
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 0800 422 234.

Booking a least one-day ahead is advantageous.
After sedation you can arrange to be collected from the department approximately one and 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 contact phone number for such enquiry's is (09) 307 4949 x 7410.

How do I prepair?

Click here for Preparation instructions. Morning / Afternoon

Endoscopic Examination of the Bowel
for a person with a colostomy

Endoscopic Diagramme

Prior to your procedure nurse would like to have a 10 minute phone conversation with you to assess your health / special needs. This is a good opportunity to discuss any concerns. Diabetics, or people using blood-thinning medication (warfarin, aspirin) should phone six days before their procedure for instructions about taking medication.

Telephone (09) 307 4949 and enter 7357 when you are asked to key in the extension number. Nurses are available Mon-Fri, 0800 1600.