Is a Colonoscopy Really Painful and Scary? Let’s Hear from an Expert

WORDS DR SARAVA KUMAR KARUNANATHY

FEATURED EXPERT DR SARAVA KUMAR KARUNANATHY Consultant Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist and Physician ParkCity Medical Centre gastrosara.com

A COLONOSCOPY AS NOT AS SCARY AS YOU THINK!

Most people are scared when I mention the word ‘endoscopy’ or ‘colonoscopy’, as it can be perceived to be very invasive and uncomfortable.

Unfortunately, this perception leads to many people being reluctant to perform screening or even delaying necessary treatments.

WHAT EXACTLY IS A COLONOSCOPY?

• A colonoscopy is an exam that is used to look for changes, such as polyps or cancer, in the large intestine (colon) and rectum.
• During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope is inserted into the rectum.
• A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of your colon

WHY IS A COLONOSCOPY NECESSARY AT TIMES?

We perform this exam to check on the intestine’s health and help doctors explore possible causes of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhoea, and other intestinal problems.

A colonoscopy can also be done for treatment purposes, such as placing a stent or removing an object in your colon.

If necessary, polyps or other types of abnormal tissue can be removed through the scope during a colonoscopy. Tissue samples or biopsies can also be taken during a colonoscopy as well.

IS A COLONOSCOPY A RISKY AND DANGEROUS PROCEDURE?

The truth is that a colonoscopy is a low risk and safe procedure,

In fact, it is a very useful procedure to help prevent diseases like colon cancer!

TL; DR

Don’t be afraid when it comes to a scope as, you never know, it might actually save your life and prevent colon cancer!