There is such a procedure as a colonoscopy. Does it hurt? It all depends on how you prepare and approach this examination. The mood, by the way, is no less important than the preparation.
Colonoscopy: what is it?
What is a colonoscopy? Does it hurt? These and many other questions arise in people to whom the doctor has prescribed this procedure. In general, a colonoscopy is a type of endoscopic examination that covers the large intestine. When carrying out such a procedure, a special device is placed in the anus - a colonoscope, with the help of which the large intestine is examined from the inside.
Indications for colonoscopy
What are the indications for a colonoscopy? There may be many.
1. Pain in the lower abdomen (both sharp and sharp, and pulling).
2. Stool problems: constipation, loose stools, or undigested food in the stool.
3. Any intestinal bleeding.
4. Some suspicion of internal bleeding, such as anemia.
5. Sharp increasevolumes of the abdomen.
6. Sudden and rapid weight loss.
Contraindications
Can a colonoscopy be performed in all cases? Contraindications exist.
- Myocardial infarction.
- Peritonitis.
- Colitis (ulcerative or ischemic).
- Acute infections.
Features of the procedure: the possibility of pain
How is a colonoscopy performed? Does it hurt? In general, a colonoscope is a rather small instrument. In addition, no surgical intervention is required. So in most cases, pain should not occur. The patient should lie on his side and pull his legs up to his stomach, relaxing the anus as much as possible. If you follow the recommendations given by the doctor, then there will be no severe pain. Of course, if the intestine has structural disorders, such as adhesions or polyps, then in some places the colonoscope will come into contact with the mucous wall, which has many nerve endings, which will cause pain. As the device moves through the intestine, air will be periodically injected (to straighten the walls and see their entire surface), so that discomfort and a very strong urge to defecate may occur. The whole procedure lasts about half an hour, after it it is better to lie on your stomach for 2 hours to prevent cramps. You can eat and drink almost immediately. Anyone who is sure that a colonoscopy is painful should know that anesthesia can be used, but only in some cases.
Preparing for the procedure
Those patients who think about what a colonoscopy is, whether it hurts, should understand that in order to avoid discomfort, special attention should be paid to preparation. So, it is important that the intestines are empty before the procedure. The doctor will tell you about all the subtleties, since everything depends on the specific case and the characteristics of the body.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can add that a colonoscopy is sometimes a necessary procedure. Do not be afraid of her, everything is tolerable. But after the procedure, you can make sure that everything is in order, or start treatment if there is a pathology.
