Colonoscopy Myths Busted: What Really Happens During the Procedure

Colonoscopy is one of the gold standards used to detect and diagnose colorectal cancer at an early stage. Every year, more than 50 million colonoscopies are done globally. Additionally, it is recommended that individuals begin their routine colonoscopy screenings at 45 years of age. It helps in the timely prevention and treatment of colon and rectal-related problems like colorectal cancer, polyps, and rectal bleeding.

Despite its importance, colonoscopy is often clouded by misconceptions, distorting the image of the actual process performed during this screening test. In this article, we will debunk the most widespread myths surrounding colonoscopies with the help of the best gastroenterologist in Kurukshetra.

Top Six Myths About Colonoscopy

Myth #1: A Colonoscopy Is Painful and Unbearable

Truth: Colonoscopy is barely painful, and it’s because patients are sedated during the process to ensure their comfort throughout the process. The whole process takes roughly thirty minutes and patients usually regain consciousness without pain or memory of surgery.  During the process, a flexible tube is administered through the rectum into the colon which has a small camera. The air is induced to inflate the colon, which allows the doctors to check for any polyps and abnormal tissues.  This is the only step that may cause mild bloating afterward due to induced air in a few cases. However, nowadays carbon dioxide insufflation is used, which does not cause bloating and offers comfort post-procedure.  

Myth #2: If I Have a Polyp, I Have Colon Cancer

Truth: Polyps are abnormal tissue growths at the lining of rectum or colon, and having them doesn’t necessarily mean you will develop cancer. In fact, detecting and removing polyps during a colonoscopy drastically reduces the risk of colorectal cancer as they sometimes turn cancerous over time. That’s why early detection and removal of polyps along with regular screenings is the key to preventing colon cancer. 

Myth #3: Absence of Symptoms Means No Need for Colonoscopy 

Truth: That’s a dangerous misconception to have, because regular colonoscopy screenings can help identify the silent symptoms that could later develop into cancer. Just like other cancers, colorectal cancer also does not show any signs like pain or bleeding until it reaches the advanced stage. That’s where colonoscopy can help you by detecting the underlying symptoms and removing any harmful growth before it becomes cancerous. 

Myth #4: The Preparation Drink Is Hard to Drink

Truth: The colonoscopy procedure requires a prepared drink, crucial to cleansing the colon completely for proper visibility and increased accuracy of the procedure. However, the notion that a preparation drink is bad in taste is a tale of old times. The old methods required drinking a full gallon of solution, while the modern solution only requires drinking two smaller doses, one at night before and another in the morning. Additionally, nowadays, the drink is available in different flavors, like ginger ale or lemon juice, to make the drink palatable. Special cases also include alternatives such as tablet forms and laxatives if the prepared drink is too hard to drink.

Myth #5: Colonoscopies Are Too Risky

Truth: A colonoscopy is a medical procedure, completely safe without any risks. The common side effects include mild bloating or gas afterward, which gets resolved quickly, without any serious effects. The myth about bleeding or perforation should be ignored, as it is extremely rare.  

Shri Balaji Aarogyam hospital has the best gastroenterologist in Kurukshetra, who performs colonoscopies in a controlled environment, to eradicate any potential risks. 

Myth #6: Only Older People Need Colonoscopies

Truth: Colorectal cancer can affect anyone at any age and not only older people. In fact, in recent times, the cases have been rising in younger adults as well, and it can be due to family history or known genetic conditions. This is why the recommended age is 45 years to begin the colonoscopy screening and assess the personal risk factors at an early age. 

What Happens During a Colonoscopy Procedure?

Colonoscopy examines a patient’s large intestine and the rectum thoroughly to diagnose various gastrointestinal diseases.  The whole process typically takes over 20-30 minutes and helps identify cancer symptoms and examine reasons behind unusual bowel habits or rectal bleeding. The Colonoscopy procedure involves multiple steps, which are. 

1. Preparation Before Procedure:

A sedative is administered before the final procedure starts to ensure patients stay relaxed, calm and totally pain-free during the procedure.

2. During the Examination 

After sedation takes effect, the patient is asked to lie down. A gastroenterologist then carefully inserts a flexible instrument (colonoscope) carrying a tiny camera through the rectum slowly. This instrument helps in transmitting high-quality images of the insides of the colon onto a monitor, allowing doctors to inspect the entire large intestine.

3. Removal of Polyps (If Detected): 

If polyps are detected, they are removed with the help of surgical instruments during the same procedure. The removal of these abnormal cellular growth is one of the prevention steps to stop the risk of cancer. 

4. Biopsy for Further Evaluation:

After the colonoscopy procedure is done, a biopsy sample is taken from suspicious tissue or growth and sent to the lab for detailed analysis. 

Final Thoughts

While colonoscopy is considered inconvenient, the test itself lasts only about 20-30 minutes and involves the least risk. Seeing the importance and benefits of colonoscopy, it is advised to ignore the myths surrounding this procedure and consult with the best gastroenterologist in Kurukshetra. The timely examination will help identify the polyps and remove them before they transition into colon cancer.

If you are the candidate for a colonoscopy or know someone with symptoms like rectal bleeding or irregular bowel movements, please consult with a gastroenterologist at Shri Balaji Aarogyam Hospital without delay.