What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is the examination of the lower gastrointestinal tract to diagnose, and in some cases, treat problems. This procedure involves passing a colonoscope – a long, thin flexible tube with a ‘video camera’ at the tip – through the rectum into the colon (large intestine, large bowel). It allows the doctor to inspect the colon and to perform specialised procedures such as taking biopsies for pathology and removal of polyps (abnormal growths which sometimes develop into cancer)

Why have a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy can detect polyps, inflamed tissues and cancers, such as colorectal cancer. It can help doctors diagnose unexplained changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bleeding from the bowel and weight loss. In some individuals with a family history of colon cancer, it may be an appropriate test and may even help to prevent colon cancer

How do I prepare for colonoscopy?
For a colonoscopy to be successful, it is essential to empty the bowel thoroughly of all waste material. This is done by taking a bowel preparation that will cause diarrhoea (see below). If the colon is not clean, the doctor may not be able to examine the bowel lining properly, and you may have to return for another procedure.
A complete bowel preparation consists of:
1. Modifying your diet
2. Taking a bowel preparation
3. Increasing your fluid intake

Removal of polyps and biopsy
A polyp is a small tissue growth on the bowel wall. They are common and are usually harmless, but a small proportion of them will develop into cancer. Removing them is an effective way of preventing cancer. Small tissue samples (biopsies) of the colon may also be taken for examination under a microscope for signs of disease. Following the procedure you will remain in the recovery area for an hour or two until the sedation wears off. You will usually be given something to eat and drink once you are fully awake. You may feel a little bloated due to the air that is used to inflate the colon to allow adequate inspection of the lining. It generally passes within an hour or two. Rarely you may pass a small amount of blood. This is often due to the samples that have been taken and should settle

Because of the sedation given during the procedure, it is very important that you do not drive a car, travel on public transport alone, operate machinery, sign legal documents or drink alcohol on the day of the colonoscopy.
A friend or relative will be required to take you home from the procedure. A full recovery is expected by the next day. It is important to read your discharge instructions carefully

Are there any risks or side effects?
Although complications can occur, they are rare when the procedure is performed by doctors who are specially trained in colonoscopy. In Australia, very few people experience serious side effects from colonoscopy and polypectomy (polyp removal). The chance of complications depends on the exact procedure that is being performed and other factors including your general health. Very rarely (one in 1,000 cases), the bowel lining may be torn; if this occurs you will be admitted to hospital for an operation to repair the lining. Occasionally, people may react to the bowel preparation medication and experience headaches or vomiting. Reactions to the medications used for sedation are also possible, but again rare. In a few cases, if the colonoscopy is not successfully completed it may need to be repeated. If you have any of the following symptoms up to 14 days after the colonoscopy you should contact Dr Haifer's rooms, your GP or the local hospital immediately:
-Severe abdominal pain
-Black, tarry poo
- Persistent bleeding from the anus
- Fever
- Other symptoms that cause you concern

How accurate is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy provides the most accurate examination of the colon. However, no test is perfect and there is a small risk that an abnormality may not be detected

A colonoscopy can miss small polyps in the bowel in 2 to 8 per cent of cases. For bigger abnormalities such as cancer, the chance is much less, but still present. For these reasons, it is recommended that all patients over the age of 50, and those with a family history of colorectal cancer, perform a faecal occult blood (FOB) test every one to two years and/or participate in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. The FOB test kits are available from your chemist or local doctor.

To book for a procedure, please complete the request form and once approved by Dr Haifer, you will receive a call to get further information including Medicare and private health details, discuss the fee's involved and then either book you in for the procedure or a consultation if required.