The colon, also called the large intestine or bowel, is the lower five to seven feet of the digestive tract. The colon turns intestinal waste into solid stool and assists in eliminating this material from the body.

After you swallow food, it travels from the mouth through the esophagus to the stomach. Once broken down, the food moves from the stomach to the small intestine. The small intestine takes the nutrients from food, and the remaining indigestible portion moves into the colon. The colon stores the waste until the next bowel movement removes it from the body.

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a safe, effective procedure, which visually examines the lining of the colon and rectum using a long, flexible, tubular instrument attached to a camera and video monitor. It is used to diagnose colon and rectal problems, perform biopsies and remove colorectal polyps. The procedure usually takes less than an hour. There is little pain; however mild sedation is given when necessary to relieve anxiety and discomfort. Click here to learn more about endoscopy.

What are the benefits and potential risks of having a colonoscopy?

With a colonoscopy, it's possible to detect and remove most polyps without abdominal surgery. A Colonoscopy is more accurate than x-rays in detecting polypos or early cancer. Polyps can usually be removed during the exam, a major step in the prevention of colorectal cancer. Many other disorders of the colon may also be identified including diverticular and inflammatory bowel disease. With any invasive procedure there are potential risks. The two most significant are bleeding and perforation. These are rare and usually identified during or shortly after the procedure. To schedule an appointment for a colonoscopy, please call 1-866-OCHSNER, or consult with your primary care physician.

Who should have a colonoscopy?

Your health care provider may recommend a colonoscopy if you have a change in bowel habits or bleeding. A colonoscopy is the best screening test for colorectal cancer. Other indications for colonoscopy include the following:

• Evaluation of unexplained abdominal symptoms
• Diagnosis or evaluation of inflammatory bowel disease (colitis)
• Verify or treat findings of polyps or tumors located with radiologic studies (barium enema, CT scans, PET scans, or “virtual colonoscopy / colonography”)
• Evaluate patients with tests positive for blood in their stool
• Monitor patients with a history of colon polyps or cancer or with a family history of colon cancer or polyposis

Who performs a colonoscopy?

At Ochsner, a colonoscopy is performed by physicians in the Departments of Colon and Rectal Surgery and Gastroenterology.

How is the colonoscopy scheduled?

Any Ochsner providers can order a colonoscopy. Once ordered, the patient will be contacted by one of our Endoscopy Scheduling Nurses who will discuss your medical and insurance issues as well as provide instructions on the preparation. Additional information can be obtained by calling the Colon and Rectal Surgery Department at 504-842-4060 Gastroenterology Department at 504-842-4015

How is the colonoscopy performed?

The bowel must first be thoroughly cleared of all residue. As described below the preparation may be done in several ways. An intravenous line is inserted to allow administration of the sedative and pain medication. The colonoscope is inserted and advanced throughout the colon. During the examination, your physician may take pictures and will remove polyps or take biopsies as necessary. Following the colonoscopy, there might be slight discomfort, which quickly improves with the expelling of gas. Most patients can resume their regular diet later the day of the procedure. A friend or family member will need to drive you home because of the sedatives used during the procedure. You will not be allowed to provide your own transportation. Your physician will inform you of the initial results of the procedure. Biopsy results will not be available for several days and will be communicated to you by phone and letter. Your referring physician will also be informed.

Preparation

To clean out your colon, you will need to complete a bowel preparation prior to the procedure. The prep’s job is to quickly eliminate solid and liquid waste from the digestive tract leaving a clean colon that your physician can examine. Several preparations are available that flush out the colon using different methods:

Instructions for Colonoscopy Prep:

• Golytely Split
• Halflytely Split
• Miralax Prep
• Three Day Prep for Colonoscopy
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
• MoviPrep
• Nulytely Split
• Suprep Prep

Problems & Questions About Your Preparation

After office hours (5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.) you may call 504-842-3000 to speak with the On-Call resident for Colon and Rectal Surgery or Gastroenterology (depending on which type of physician is scheduled to perform your procedure).