Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is the visual examination of the lining of the large intestine (colon). It is used to identify any abnormalities by inserting a lighted fiberoptic tube into the anus. The tube, which is about the size of your finger, is slowly passing into the rectum and colon. If an abnormal growth (polyp) is found, it will be removed with electrocautery during the same procedure. A small tissue specimen (biopsy) may be taken from the lining of the colon for microscopic examination. You will be sedated during the procedure and neither tests will cause any discomfort. (Note: a cleansing preparation needs to be taken the day before the procedure.)

This procedure can be performed in the convenience of Dr. Chan’s office.

Indications for colonoscopy:

If an abnormality is found on barium enema such as a stricture or filling defect.
Evaluation of unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding.
Bleeding per rectum
Black stool after an upper source has been excluded
Presence of fecal occult blood
Unexplained iron deficiency anemia.
Long standing diarrhea of unexplained origin.
To evaluate for chronic inflammatory disease of the colon.
Patients with a first-degree relative (siblings, parents/children etc.) or multiple family members with colon cancer (cancer family syndrome).

Who should have repeating colonoscopy and how often should it be done?

Those with a history of colorectal cancer:
Follow up within 1 year after surgical removal of cancer, then 3-5 years afterwards.
bullet Those with polyps removed during previous colonoscopy:

Theoretically, colonoscopy should be done every three years. Sometimes it is repeated less than three years depending on a number of factors (poor preparation during the initial colonoscopy, numerous polyps found, etc.).

For patients with chronic ulcerative colitis, colonoscopy every 1-2 years with multiple biopsies for detection of cancer or signs of early cancer (dysplasia) with:

duration of pancolitis for more than 7 years
duration of left-sided colitis for over ten years.