The main study that reveals many pathologies of the human large intestine is colonoscopy. Preparation for the procedure is an important component of the study, without which it is impossible to obtain correct data on the state of human he alth.
Intestinal examination methods
Colonoscopy, as a method of examining the intestines, has been effectively used since 1965, after the creation of a fibrocolonoscope - a device with which the procedure is carried out. Previously, a rectosigmoidoscope was used for this study. He allowed only thirty centimeters of the intestine to be examined, and the procedure itself was very painful.
The entire length of the bowel was examined using x-rays. But the study did not give a complete picture of the state of the intestine and did not allow to identify some pathologies. Making an accurate diagnosis required surgical intervention, which often led to undesirable consequences for the he alth of the subject. The obvious imperfection of existing research methods gave impetus to the search for new, more effective methods of instrumental diagnostics.
Whatis a colonoscopy
Today, colonoscopy is the most effective and accurate method of instrumental diagnosis of diseases of the large intestine. In addition, the fibrocolonoscope allows tissue sampling for histology and removal of polyps.
Fibrocolonoscopes are divided into several types, depending on the length of the working part. The working part is flexible, which allows it to move freely through the intestine. The end of the device is equipped with a camera that transmits an image of the intestinal walls to the monitor. The presence of an aspirator inside the device allows you to remove pathological fluids and stop bleeding at the time when colonoscopy of the intestine is performed.
Preparation for the procedure must be carried out. It consists in complete emptying of the intestine for free movement of the fibrocolonoscope.
Diseases of the large intestine
The large intestine is a part of the human gastrointestinal tract. Its main functions are the adsorption of nutrients from processed food, the formation of feces and their transportation to the outside.
The length of the large intestine can reach two meters, the diameter in different parts of the intestine - from four to eight centimeters. This section of the gastrointestinal tract consists of the blind, colon and rectum.
The large intestine is subject to many diseases and pathologies. The most common ones are:
- Crohn's disease;
- ulcerative colitis;
- hemorrhoids;
- benign and malignant tumors;
- diverticula.
Most diseases of the large intestine are detected with high accuracy when a colonoscopy is performed. Preparation for the procedure, according to the recommendations of the doctor, increases the accuracy of the diagnosis made after the examination.
Indications for the procedure
Intestinal colonoscopy, preparation for the procedure - the diet recommended before the procedure helps to identify many diseases of the intestine in the early stages of development. Gastrointestinal disorders that can be diagnosed by colonoscopy:
- ulcerative colitis;
- intestinal obstruction;
- diverticula;
- tumors of different nature.
Diseases are accompanied by various symptoms. These are constipation, diarrhea, pain in the intestinal area, bloating, spotting from the rectum. The appearance of one or more of the listed signs of colon disease is an indication for which a colonoscopy is performed. Preparation for the procedure takes time, so the doctor pre-sets the date of the study and gives recommendations for preparation.
In addition to diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases, colonoscopy is prescribed to prepare for some gynecological operations, to take a biopsy, and so on. An examination of the large intestine is also recommended for people over fifty and people at risk to identify benign and malignant neoplasms. In some countries, passinga colonoscopy once a year is a prerequisite for medical care.
Contraindications
Colonoscopy, as a method of instrumental diagnostics, has a number of contraindications. In some pathologies, the examination can have negative consequences for the patient, and in some cases even pose a threat to life. These diseases include:
- myocardial infarction;
- peritonitis;
- end-stage heart or lung failure;
- acute colitis.
In addition, there are certain pathological conditions that distort the overall picture of the patient's he alth and prevent accurate data. This greatly reduces the effectiveness of colonoscopy. Intestinal bleeding, low blood clotting, recent peritoneal surgery, inguinal hernia, umbilical hernia, general severe condition of the patient are contraindications for which colonoscopy is not recommended. Preparation for the procedure in violation of medical recommendations will also not allow the study.
Intestinal colonoscopy: preparation for the procedure
Reviews about the examination and preparation for it are not the most joyful. This is quite understandable. The procedure is not very pleasant, sometimes painful, the preparation requires a certain degree of patience. However, if there are signs of colon pathology, it is worth going through. All the disadvantages are compensated by the benefits that colonoscopy brings. Preparation for the procedure is carried out according torecommendations of the doctor prescribing the procedure. Colonoscopy is usually scheduled in the morning, so it is easier to prepare. Preparation for a colonoscopy, if the procedure is performed in the morning, is carried out in two stages: diet and bowel movements.
But if the subject suffers from constipation, additional measures may be required. As a preliminary preparation, doctors often recommend clearing the intestines even before starting a diet. For this, enemas are used, and castor oil is also prescribed. After preliminary cleaning of the intestines, the subject should follow a certain diet for several days. Next, the intestines are emptied with an enema or special preparations that the doctor will prescribe.
Features of nutrition before colonoscopy
As mentioned above, if the patient is constipated, an enema or castor oil should be taken three to four days before the procedure to cleanse the gastrointestinal tract. This is preliminary preparation. Following a diet for three days before a colonoscopy is performed is preparation for the procedure. What can you eat on this diet?
The essence of the diet is to exclude from the diet of slag products and products that cause fermentation. It is allowed to eat boiled and baked vegetables, dairy products, lean meat and fish, cheese. Fresh vegetables and fruits, smoked meats, sweets should be excluded from the menu.
If we are talking about the morning procedure, then you must refrainfrom eating ten to twelve hours before the time when a colonoscopy of the intestine is scheduled. Preparation for the procedure at home also consists in the subsequent use of special laxatives that cleanse the intestines for examination.
Colonoscopy preparations
After preparing the intestines with a three-day slag-free diet, it is necessary to cleanse the intestines. This is the next stage of preparation for the procedure. To cleanse the intestines, you can use an enema or apply a special drug. Before the morning procedure, an enema should be given twice: in the evening - the day before the procedure and in the morning on the day of the procedure. The intestines are considered completely cleansed when the stool becomes like clear water. To enhance the effect of an enema, you can use means that relax the digestive tract. These include a solution of magnesia and castor oil.
If for some reason it is not possible to give an enema (cracks or hemorrhoids), you need to use osmotic laxatives. In this case, laxatives are used, specially designed for complete cleansing of the gastrointestinal tract before endoscopic studies, ultrasound, and surgery. Any of these products can be used only on the recommendation of a doctor and following the instructions for the drug.
Lavacol
"Lavacol" is a drug based on polyethylene glycol MM 4000. The action of the drug is aimed at retaining and accumulating water in the body. Water increases fecal mass and acceleratestheir exit. "Lavacol" should be used only as directed by a doctor, as the drug has a number of contraindications.
Preparation for a colonoscopy with "Lavacol", if the procedure is performed in the morning, starts at about 14:00. The package consists of fifteen bags of powder. Each packet is diluted in 200 ml of water and consumed every twenty minutes. Thus, three liters of solution are taken in a few hours.
Fortrans
"Fortrans" - an osmotic agent aimed at complete cleansing of the intestines. The active substance is similar to the main component of Lavacol. "Fortrans" is produced by a French pharmaceutical company in the form of a powder. The package contains four packages of the drug, each of which is designed for twenty kilograms of human body weight.
Preparation for colonoscopy with "Fortrans", if the procedure is performed in the morning, is to prepare the required amount of the drug (based on one sachet per liter of water) and use the solution as soon as possible. It is recommended to take the drug in small portions, taking breaks for five to ten minutes, for two to four hours. It should be taken the evening before the colonoscopy.
Fleet
The drug "Fleet" is different from similar "Lavacol" and "Fortrans" active ingredient, release form and method of administration. The package contains two bottles of laxative. One bottle dissolves in half a glasswater. Preparation for colonoscopy "Fleet", if the procedure is performed in the morning, begins the day before the colonoscopy. The first dose of the drug is taken in the morning after breakfast, the second - in the evening after dinner. During the day, you need to drink about a liter of liquid.
"Flit", like other osmotic laxatives, has contraindications. Therefore, it can be taken only after consulting a doctor. The doctor will also give detailed recommendations for taking the drug.
Carrying out the procedure
Don't be afraid that a colonoscopy is a painful procedure. The examination, of course, brings discomfort, but the patient does not experience severe pain. In addition, the procedure can be done with the use of anesthesia and anesthesia. Young children are given general anesthesia before a colonoscopy.
Examination is carried out by a proctologist or endoscopist, assisted by a nurse. The patient lies on the couch on the left side, bends the legs at the knees and pulls them to the stomach. If necessary, painkillers or anesthesia are used. The colonoscope is inserted into the anus and gradually moves through the large intestine. The camera at the end of the probe displays data on the monitor, and the doctor has the opportunity to examine the intestinal walls in detail for the presence of pathologies.
Since after cleansing the intestines are in a sticky state, the passage of the probe is facilitated by the air supplied from the tip of the device. Air irritates the intestinal mucosa and causesbloating. This causes the patient discomfort.
The colonoscope camera records video, which helps to study the material obtained in more detail after the procedure. Based on the data received, the doctor diagnoses the pathology, if any, and refers the patient to a specialist for treatment.
