What does the procedure involve?
Colonoscopy at Centrum Medyczne Skopia in Kraków is an endoscopic examination of the large intestine. A colonoscope — a flexible instrument with a camera and a light source at its tip — is introduced through the anus, allowing the doctor to view the inside of the entire large intestine.
During the examination the colour of the mucous membrane, its structure, its pattern and the network of blood vessels are assessed. Colonoscopy serves to detect precancerous lesions and colorectal cancer.
The examination is performed under the National Health Fund as a preventive examination for people aged 50 to 65, and also privately. A package is also available covering a colonoscopy and a gastroscopy performed during a single examination, including under procedural sedation. A referral is not required — neither for the private examination nor under the preventive programmes. As a preventive measure, a colonoscopy is recommended every 5–10 years.
Colonoscopy is sometimes also a therapeutic procedure. The endoscope has a working channel through which forceps, snares and other instruments are introduced. During the examination it is possible to remove polyps, remove foreign bodies, widen strictures, perform electrocoagulation and take samples from suspicious areas of the mucous membrane. The collected material is sent for histopathological examination.
Contraindications to the examination include: exacerbation of inflammatory diseases of the large intestine (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), symptoms of peritonitis, severe heart and lung disease (for example myocardial infarction, respiratory failure), pregnancy, blood clotting disorders and a recent procedure within the abdominal cavity or the pelvis. The doctor decides whether the examination is performed after assessing the patient's condition.
Indications
- bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal tract
- constipation and irregular bowel movements
- sudden, unexplained weight loss
- chronic diarrhoea of undiagnosed cause
- prevention, including screening for colorectal cancer
Course and preparation
The examination. The patient lies on their side, usually the left one, with the knees bent and drawn up towards the chin. The doctor first assesses the anal area, then performs a digital rectal examination, introducing an anaesthetic gel (most often lidocaine) or a neutral endoscopic gel. The gel-coated endoscope is introduced afterwards.
During the examination gas is delivered into the bowel to widen its lumen. Centrum Medyczne Skopia uses a carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflator — this gas is absorbed faster than air and does not remain in the bowel. The examination itself takes from a dozen or so to several dozen minutes.
Local anaesthesia. A gel anaesthetising the anal area is used. The patient remains conscious throughout the examination.
General anaesthesia (procedural sedation). The patient is given sedative, hypnotic and analgesic medication. Please come with an accompanying person who will collect the patient about two hours after the start of the examination. Driving is not allowed on the day of the examination.
Preparation: diet. For three days before the examination an easily digestible diet applies, without vegetables and stone fruit and without bread containing grains. Two days before the examination — a liquid diet, without milk, with plenty of clear fluids, mostly still water. On the day before the examination, still mineral water and a solution of the bowel preparation agent are taken.
Preparation: bowel preparation agent. The clinic uses the products FORTRANS, CITRA FLEET and CLENSIA. The way they are taken differs depending on the product and on whether the examination takes place in the morning or in the afternoon. The clinic issues the instructions for the selected product together with the appointment date — they must be followed exactly.
Medication. The doctor should be informed before the examination about all regularly taken medicines, and in particular about blood-thinning medication. A temporary change of dose or withdrawal of a medicine may be necessary before an endoscopic examination — the decision is made by the doctor. Medicines must not be stopped on one's own.
A guide to preparing for a colonoscopy, together with a video recording, is available in the „For patients” section.
Other examinations and procedures in this clinic
The price of this service can be found in the price list of examinations and procedures, and the date and the rules of preparation are confirmed by registration.
The information on this website is organisational and educational. A doctor decides on indications for examination or treatment after assessing the patient.
