Colonoscopy at VITA Hospital

Colonoscopy can save lives

Colonoscopy is an examination that allows the physician to observe the interior of the large intestine on a monitor. During the examination, all parts of the large intestine are carefully inspected using a specialised instrument called a colonoscope.

A preliminary consultation with a physician is required, during which the following questions are addressed:

• Whether there are indications for performing a colonoscopy at the current time or in the future
• How the preliminary bowel cleansing is performed
• What anaesthesia options are available during the examination and which option is most suitable for the specific patient
• Which medications need to be stopped before the procedure
• What the possible risks and complications of the examination are

How is colonoscopy performed at VITA Hospital?

• You will need to register and fill in several documents
• You will be received by a physician and a nurse
• You will be asked important questions related to the presence of allergies, accompanying diseases, and medication use

For the smooth conduct of the examination, preliminary preparation is required - bowel cleansing. This is achieved by taking special preparations that induce diarrhoea. They are dissolved in water and consumed according to the instructions provided by the medical staff. During the preparation, the patient does not eat. The entire preparation procedure for the colonoscopy will be explained by the physician at the preliminary consultation. Proper preparation is extremely important, as a poorly cleansed bowel may result in small polyps or tumors being missed.

Upon insertion of the instrument, the walls of the large intestine and the end of the small intestine are examined for any structural changes.

After reaching the end of the large intestine (caecum, Bauhin's valve), the instrument is withdrawn. This part of the procedure is extremely important, as it is during this phase that the primary inspection of the bowel takes place.

During the colonoscopy, photographs may be taken, targeted or serial biopsies may be collected, and polyps may be removed. After the examination is completed, the physician describes the findings in a special document - an endoscopic report.

What diseases are detected by colonoscopy?

During colonoscopy, the following diseases of the large and small intestine may be detected:

• Haemorrhoidal disease
• Colonic diverticula
• Colonic polyps
• Carcinoma of the large intestine and rectum

Inflammatory diseases:

• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn's disease

Before the colonoscopy, your physician will order the necessary tests to be performed in advance or on the day before the examination.

Colonoscopy is an examination that can be performed under the NHIF.