The main study, revealing 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 the correct data on the state of human health.
Intestinal Research Methods
Colonoscopy, as a method of examining the intestine, has been effectively used since 1965, after the creation of a fibrocolonoscope - an instrument with which the procedure is carried out. Previously, a rectosigmoidoscope was used for this study. He allowed to examine only thirty centimeters of the intestine, moreover, the procedure itself was very painful.
The entire length of the intestine 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 reveal some pathologies. An accurate diagnosis required surgical intervention, which often led to undesirable consequences for the health status of the subject. The obvious imperfection of the existing research methods gave an impetus to the search for new, more effective methods of instrumental diagnostics.
What is a colonoscopy?
Today, colonoscopy is the most effective and accurate method of instrumental diagnosis of diseases of the large intestine. In addition, the fibrocolonoscope makes it possible to take tissue samples 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 the 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 a bowel colonoscopy is performed.
Preparation for the procedure should be mandatory. It consists in the complete emptying of the intestine for the free movement of the fibrocolonoscope.
Colon diseases
The large intestine is a part of the human gastrointestinal tract. Its main functions are the adsorption of nutrients from processed foods, the formation of feces and their transportation to the outside.
The length of the colon 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 cecum, colon and rectum.
The large intestine is susceptible to many diseases and pathologies. The most common ones are:
- Crohn's disease;
- ulcerative colitis;
- hemorrhoids;
- benign and malignant tumors;
- diverticulums.
Most diseases of the large intestine are detected with high accuracy when a colonoscopy is performed. Preparation for the procedure, according to the doctor’s recommendations, improves the accuracy of the diagnosis made after examination.
Indications for the procedure
Colonoscopy of the intestines, preparation for the procedure - the diet recommended before the procedure helps to identify many intestinal diseases in the early stages of development. Gastrointestinal diseases that can be diagnosed by colonoscopy:
- ulcerative colitis;
- intestinal obstruction;
- diverticulums;
- tumors of a different nature.
Diseases are accompanied by various symptoms. These are constipation, diarrhea, pain in the intestines, bloating, spotting from the rectum. The appearance of one or several of the listed symptoms of a colon disease is an indication in which a colonoscopy is performed. Preparation for the procedure takes time, so the doctor pre-sets the date of the study and gives recommendations on the preparation.
In addition to the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases, colonoscopy is prescribed to prepare for some gynecological operations, to take a biopsy, and more. An examination of the large intestine is also recommended for people over fifty years of age and people at risk to identify benign and malignant neoplasms. In some countries, a 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 carry a threat to life. Such diseases include:
- myocardial infarction;
- peritonitis;
- cardiac or pulmonary insufficiency of the last stage;
- acute colitis.
In addition, there are certain pathological conditions that distort the overall picture of the patient’s health and prevent accurate data. This greatly reduces the effectiveness of colonoscopy. Intestinal bleeding, low blood coagulation, recent surgery in the peritoneum, 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 the preparation for it are not the most joyful. This is quite understandable. The procedure is not very pleasant, it is painful, 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 a colonoscopy of the intestine brings. Preparation for the procedure is carried out according to the recommendations of the doctor prescribing the procedure. Colonoscopy is usually prescribed in the morning, so it’s easier to prepare. Preparation for colonoscopy, if the procedure is performed in the morning, is carried out in two stages: diet and bowel movement.
But if the subject suffers from constipation, additional measures may be required. As a preliminary preparation, doctors often recommend cleansing the intestines even before starting a diet. For this, enemas are used, and castor oil is also prescribed. After preliminary cleaning of the intestine, the subject should adhere to a certain diet for several days. Next, the intestines are emptied with an enema or special medications that the doctor will prescribe.
Features of nutrition before colonoscopy
As stated above, if the patient is prone to constipation, an enema should be given three to four days before the procedure or castor oil should be taken to clear the digestive tract. This is a preliminary preparation. Compliance with the diet for three days before the colonoscopy is performed - preparation for the procedure. What can I eat during this diet?
The essence of the diet is to exclude from the diet slag products and products that cause fermentation. It is allowed to eat boiled and baked vegetables, sour-milk products, low-fat meat and fish, cheese. Exclude from the menu you need fresh vegetables and fruits, smoked meats, sweets.
If we are talking about the morning procedure, then it is necessary to refrain from eating ten to twelve hours before the time when an intestinal colonoscopy is prescribed. 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 , the intestines need to be cleaned. This is the next step in preparing for the procedure. To cleanse the intestines, you can use an enema or apply a special drug. Before the morning procedure, an enema must be set twice: in the evening - the day before the procedure and in the morning on the day of the procedure. The intestines are considered to be completely cleansed when the feces become like clear water. To enhance the effect of the enema, you can use means that relax the digestive tract. These include a solution of magnesia and castor oil.
If for any reason there is no possibility to put an enema (cracks or hemorrhoids), you need to use osmotic laxatives. In this case, laxatives are used, specially created for the complete cleansing of the gastrointestinal tract before endoscopic examinations, ultrasound, and surgery. Any of these drugs can be used only on the recommendation of a doctor and following the instructions for the drug.
Lavacol
"Lavacol" is a preparation based on MM 4000 polyethylene glycol. The action of the drug is aimed at delaying and accumulating water in the body. Water increases feces and accelerates their release. "Lavacol" should be used only as prescribed by the doctor, since the drug has several contraindications.
Preparation for a Lavacolum colonoscopy, if the procedure is to be performed in the morning, starts at about 2 p.m. The package consists of fifteen bags of powder. Each bag is diluted in 200 ml of water and consumed every twenty minutes. Thus, in a few hours, three liters of solution is taken.
Fortrans
"Fortrans" is an osmotic agent aimed at complete cleansing of the intestine. The active substance is similar to the main component of Lavacol. Fortrans is available as a powder in a French pharmaceutical company. The package contains four packages of the drug, each of which is designed for twenty kilograms of human body weight.
Preparing for Fortrans colonoscopy, if the procedure is to be performed in the morning, consists in preparing the required amount of the drug (at the rate of one sachet per liter of water) and using 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. Take the drug should be in the evening, on the eve of the colonoscopy.
Fleet
The drug "Fleet" is different from the similar "Lavacol" and "Fortrans" active substance, form of release and method of administration. The package consists of two bottles of laxative. One vial is dissolved in half a glass of water. Preparing for a Fleet colonoscopy, if the procedure is to be performed in the morning, begins one day before the colonoscopy. The first portion 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, you can take it only after consulting a doctor. The doctor will also give detailed recommendations for taking the drug.
Procedure
Do not be afraid that colonoscopy is a painful procedure. The examination, of course, brings discomfort, but the patient does not experience strong pain. In addition, the procedure can be done with the use of anesthesia and anesthesia. Young children undergo general anesthesia before colonoscopy.
The examination is carried out by a proctologist or endoscopist, he is assisted by a nurse. The patient is laid on a couch on his left side, bends his legs at the knees and pulls them to the stomach. If necessary, painkillers or anesthesia are used. A colonoscope is inserted into the anus and gradually moves along the large intestine. The camera at the end of the probe displays data on the monitor, and the doctor has the opportunity to examine in detail the walls of the intestine for pathologies.
Since the intestines are in a sticky state after cleansing, the passage of the probe is facilitated by the air supplied from the tip of the device. Air irritates the intestinal mucosa and causes bloating. This causes the patient discomfort.
The colonoscope camera performs video recording, which helps to study the material obtained after the procedure in more detail. Based on the data obtained, the doctor diagnoses the pathology, if any, and sends the patient to a specialist to prescribe treatment.