Colonoscopy Side Effects

Being a complex structure, the human body can fall prey to many diseases and disorders. Some of these are serious, while some of them are not! Speaking of the human body parts, one of the most important part of the human body is the large intestine and rectum and colon, in turn are the significant parts of the large intestine. The working of the large intestine is such that, our small intestine transports waste material to the colon, present in the large intestine. The colon removes moisture from the food and forms the excretory waste. Now, the rectum is a part that connects the anus to the colon. The muscles and nerves present in the anus and rectum, monitor and control our bowel movements.

But, why am I explaining you all these things? You might wonder, is it concerned with our discussion of colonoscopy side effects? Yes it is! Malfunctioning in the working of rectum and colon, can lead to the growth and development of cancerous cells in it and this phenomenon is called colon cancer! Colon cancer is amongst the leading causes of death in America. Now, we come to colonoscopy! Colonoscopy is actually a small procedural test, that mainly intends at detection of ulcers, inflammatory tissues and the growth of cancerous cells. It actually helps in the diagnosis of sudden weight loss, alterations in bowel habits, etc. Well, do not panic! This is just a regular procedure, in fact, it helps to prevent all such disorders, thereby safeguarding you from its dangerous consequences. Let us now move on to know about, the colonoscopy preparation, cost and then side effects of colonoscopies.

Colonoscopy Preparation

Colonoscopy is not a very big procedure, it is an outpatient procedure and takes around half or one hour to complete. Preparing for colonoscopy is also not very difficult, you just need to follow the instructions given by the doctor, a day before the procedure. The doctors might prescribe you a low fiber diet or else if possible, he will ask you to be on a liquid diet, for the entire day before the test. You also are asked to remove all the waste from your body. Mainly, laxatives are advised for this purpose. At the hospital, your blood pressure and heart rate will be checked. Sedatives are also given, in order to relax and get your body ready for the procedure.

The colonoscopy procedure involves, insertion of a tube and a camera inside the rectum to get a clear view of the large intestine. Air is supplied into the colon, so as to view the intestine walls properly. Defects, if found, are stored as a sample in the tube. The doctors then diagnose the defect and prescribe appropriate medications.

Colonoscopy Cost

Although colonoscopy is a small procedure, which does not take much time, it can turn into a costly affair if you are not covered with a medical insurance. The average cost of colonoscopy is somewhere in the range of USD 2000-3000. However, the cost largely depends upon the instrument standards, location, doctor's charges and most importantly complications involved during the procedure.

What are the Dangers of Colonoscopy?

Each and every procedure and surgery have some or the other side effects, and colonoscopy is not an exception to it. Although a few post colonoscopy side effects do exist! Side effects such as, sleepiness due to sedatives, bloating as the air is trapped inside the body, bleeding on a small scale, if any defect or polyp is taken out by the tube as a sample.

The procedure is usually successful. However, complications might make the procedure complex. Hope the above discussion was sufficient enough to know about colonoscopy and its side effects, and also some other aspects associated with it.