A colonoscopy is an endoscopic examination of the large intestine (colon) that allows the doctor to view the lining of the bowel and detect inflammatory, precancerous and other changes. It is one of the most important tests for the prevention and early diagnosis of bowel (colorectal) cancer. Baltic American Clinic performs diagnostic colonoscopy and, where medically indicated, a biopsy can be taken or polyps can be removed endoscopically.
A thorough examination of the lining of the colon that helps identify the cause of symptoms.
During the examination, colon polyps can be detected and, where appropriate, removed.
If needed, tissue samples are taken for histological examination.
The examination helps detect precancerous changes and early stages of the disease.
When is a colonoscopy recommended?
A colonoscopy may be recommended because of digestive symptoms, a suspected disease of the large bowel, abnormal test results or as a preventive check.
The examination may be needed if you have:
- Blood in the stool. Visible bleeding, or blood detected by a faecal occult blood test.
- Changed bowel habits. Persistent diarrhoea, constipation or other unusual changes.
- Recurrent abdominal pain. Especially when accompanied by other digestive symptoms.
- Anaemia of unclear origin. Possible bleeding from the digestive tract needs to be ruled out.
- Unintended weight loss. A more thorough examination of the digestive system is needed.
- Colon polyps found previously. A follow-up examination is needed as recommended by your doctor.
- Bowel cancer diagnosed in your family. An individual screening programme may be recommended.
- A positive faecal occult blood test. Further examination of the large bowel is needed.
- Suspected or diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease. The diagnosis needs to be confirmed or disease activity assessed.
A colonoscopy can also be performed when there are no symptoms, if it is recommended because of age, individual risk or under the bowel cancer early detection programme.
Important. Heavy bleeding from the digestive tract, severe abdominal pain with marked bloating, or a sudden deterioration in general condition may require urgent medical care.
What can a colonoscopy detect?
Colon polyps
Growths of the bowel lining, some of which may become malignant over time. Polyps can be removed endoscopically.
Bowel cancer
Colonoscopy helps detect suspicious changes, and a biopsy allows histological examination.
Inflammatory bowel diseases
Changes in the bowel lining typical of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease may be found.
Diverticulosis
Small pouches (diverticula) that have formed in the wall of the colon.
Inflammation of the bowel lining (colitis)
The examination can help assess the location and nature of the inflammation.
Sources of bleeding
Visible changes in the bowel lining associated with bleeding may be found.
Narrowing of the bowel and other structural changes
Their location, nature and the need for further tests are assessed.
Colonoscopy and bowel cancer prevention
Some colon polyps may turn into malignant tumours over time. During a colonoscopy they can be detected and, in certain cases, removed before cancer develops.
Lithuania runs a bowel cancer early detection programme. Under it, residents of specified age groups take a faecal occult blood test, and a positive result may lead to a colonoscopy.
The need for the examination can also be determined individually, regardless of participation in the prevention programme.
If close relatives have been diagnosed with bowel cancer or a hereditary risk syndrome has been identified, screening may be recommended to start earlier.
How is a colonoscopy performed?
Checking your preparation
Before the examination, the staff check whether the bowel has been properly prepared and discuss your health, the medicines you take and the planned anaesthesia.
Inserting the endoscope
A flexible instrument with a video camera, the colonoscope, is carefully inserted through the anus.
Examining the large bowel
The doctor examines the bowel lining and assesses any visible changes. During the examination the bowel is inflated with air or carbon dioxide so that its walls can be seen better.
Biopsy or polyp removal
If needed, tissue samples are taken or an endoscopic polypectomy (removal of polyps) is performed.
Discussing the results
After the examination you receive an endoscopy report. If a biopsy was taken or polyps were removed, the histology results are available later.
How long the examination takes depends on the anatomy of the bowel, the quality of the preparation and any additional procedures.
Is a colonoscopy painful?
During a colonoscopy you may feel abdominal stretching, bloating or cramping discomfort.
The examination can be performed under anaesthesia. The type of anaesthesia and whether it is suitable are discussed in advance, taking into account your health and the planned procedure.
If sedation or general anaesthesia is used, you must follow the instructions given by the medical staff after the examination.
Polyp removal during colonoscopy
Endoscopic polypectomy (removal of bowel polyps) is a procedure in which growths of the bowel lining are removed with special endoscopic instruments.
The removal method depends on the size, shape, location and other features of the polyp.
Removed tissue is usually sent for histological examination. The results help determine the nature of the polyp and decide when a repeat colonoscopy is needed.
Not every polyp can be removed safely during the same diagnostic colonoscopy. In some cases a separately planned therapeutic procedure is needed.
How to prepare for a colonoscopy
Proper bowel preparation is one of the most important conditions for a good-quality examination. If stool remains in the bowel, the doctor may miss some changes and the examination may have to be repeated.
Changes to your diet
For a few days before the examination you may be advised to limit high-fibre foods. The exact diet depends on the clinic’s preparation protocol.
Bowel cleansing
Before the colonoscopy you take a bowel-cleansing preparation prescribed by the doctor. It is often taken in split doses according to an exact schedule.
Fluids
It is important to follow the instructions on which fluids are allowed and when you must stop drinking before the examination.
Medicines
Tell your doctor about medicines that affect blood clotting, diabetes medicines and any other medicines you take. The way you take some medicines may need to be changed before the examination, but do not stop taking them on your own.
Chronic conditions
Tell us about kidney or heart disease, diabetes, previous bowel surgery and any other significant health conditions.
Getting home
If the examination is performed under sedation or general anaesthesia, arrange for someone to accompany you and make sure you can get home safely.
The clinic gives you the exact preparation plan, including the name of the preparation, the doses and when to take them.
When may a colonoscopy be postponed?
The examination may be postponed if the bowel has not been cleansed sufficiently, your health is unstable, or a condition is suspected that would make a standard colonoscopy unsafe.
In certain acute bowel inflammations or other serious conditions, the doctor may recommend a different examination or performing the colonoscopy later.
What should you know after a colonoscopy?
After the examination you may feel bloated, have cramps or mild discomfort. These sensations usually pass gradually.
If a biopsy was taken or polyps were removed, the doctor may give you additional advice on diet, medicines and physical activity.
After sedation or general anaesthesia you must not drive for a certain period of time.
When should you seek medical help?
If you develop severe or increasing abdominal pain, fever, heavy bleeding, marked weakness or other unusual symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Is a colonoscopy done under anaesthesia?
A colonoscopy can be performed under anaesthesia, including general anaesthesia. The specific method is chosen individually and agreed before the examination.
Can a colonoscopy detect bowel cancer?
The examination makes it possible to see suspicious changes and take a biopsy. The final diagnosis is usually confirmed by histological examination.
Can polyps be removed during the same colonoscopy?
Yes, if the nature and size of the polyp and other circumstances allow this to be done safely. Sometimes a separate procedure is needed to remove polyps.
Is a colonoscopy necessary if I have no symptoms?
The examination may be recommended as a preventive check based on age, hereditary risk or the results of earlier tests. Bowel diseases may cause no symptoms in their early stages.
Is a colonoscopy performed if occult blood is found in the stool?
Yes. A positive faecal occult blood test is one of the common reasons for a colonoscopy.
Can I drink coffee before a colonoscopy?
This depends on your specific preparation instructions. Often only certain clear fluids are allowed before the examination. Follow the clinic’s instructions.
What happens if the bowel is not cleansed properly?
Inadequate preparation can reduce the quality of the examination. Sometimes the examination has to be stopped or repeated.
How long after polyp removal can there be a risk of bleeding?
Bleeding can occur immediately or several days after the procedure. The risk depends on the size of the removed polyps, the method used and other factors. Report heavier bleeding to your doctor immediately.
When should a colonoscopy be repeated?
When a repeat examination is needed depends on the changes found, the histology results, family risk and the quality of the bowel preparation.
Colonoscopy price
The price of a colonoscopy is set by the Baltic American Clinic price list in force at the time.
A biopsy, histological examination, polyp removal, anaesthesia and other additional procedures are charged according to the price list in force if they are not included in the price of the chosen service.
The planned scope of the service and any possible additional costs are discussed before the examination.