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    4. Colonoscopy

    Colonoscopy

    A colonoscopy is a gastroenterological procedure used to examine the inside lining of your large bowel and digestive tract. Mayo Clinic Healthcare consultants perform the private colonoscopy procedure to examine your colon for any abnormalities that may be causing your symptoms. 

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    • You may need a colonoscopy procedure to:

      • Find the cause of symptoms
        Symptoms may include abdominal pain, chronic constipation, rectal bleeding or acute diarrhoea.
      • Screen for cancer
        Screenings usually start at age 45, but your doctor may suggest more frequent screenings depending on your medical history.
      • Rechecking previous issues
        If you have had a history of polyps or other bowel issues, your consultant may advise a follow-up colonoscopy.

      Our team of colorectal specialists will assess you and decide whether a colonoscopy is appropriate for your needs.

    • Preparing for your private colonoscopy procedure begins by emptying your colon. This gives your doctor a clear view of the inside of your colon, which helps with assessing any issues.

      Your consultant will advise the best method to prepare, but you can expect:

      • To follow a prescribed diet
        24 hours before the exam, you should avoid solid foods, red liquids, and dairy products. Drink clear liquids such as water, tea and coffee. Your doctor will advise if you need to stop drinking after midnight.
      • To be prescribed laxatives
        This may just be the night before the procedure, but it may also be recommended for the morning before.
      • Your medications to be altered
        If you take blood thinners, have high blood pressure, diabetes, or take iron supplements, talk to your doctor at least a week in advance to adjust your medication if needed. This helps ensure the best results for your colonoscopy.

      If you are concerned about your medications, our staff will advise you when your private colonoscopy is booked.

    • A colonoscopy uses a tiny video camera on the end of a long, flexible tube to look for issues inside your colon.

      Here’s what happens:

      • The tube is inserted into the rectum, which sends a video image of the inside of your entire colon to a monitor.
      • The camera transmits video of the inside of your colon to a monitor, which your consultant will observe, looking for any abnormalities.
      • During the procedure, polyps can be removed, and any abnormal areas can be biopsied to aid diagnosis and treatment.

    • A colonoscopy usually takes 30 minutes, but the procedure can be extended if polyps require removal.

      Afterwards, it may take about an hour for the sedative to wear off. However, the effects of the sedative can last a full day, so for your safety, you will need someone to take you home.

      You won’t be able to drive or return to work for the rest of the day.

    • Because the procedure pumps air into the colon, you may feel bloated for a few hours after the exam and pass gas. Walking can help lessen any discomfort.

    • The colonoscopy is not usually painful, but most people receive sedation. Typically, this will be a sedative with pain medication given intravenously. This is not a general anaesthetic, and you will be conscious throughout the procedure.

      ​You may feel cramping or the need to take a bowel movement throughout the procedure - this is to be expected.

    Next steps and results

    Your results will be reviewed by the Mayo Clinic Healthcare multidisciplinary team.

    ​When you choose us, you gain access to not just your consultant’s expertise, but also the collective wisdom of our team. Any significant abnormality will be discussed at a multidisciplinary team meeting with their colleagues, so a consensus can be reached on the best treatment plan for you. 

    Private health insurance

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Vitality Health and WPA.

    Self-pay arrangements are also available, and our team is happy to discuss this with you.

    Request a private colonoscopy

    If you have concerns about your colon health or would like to enquire about receiving a private colonoscopy procedure, our team is here to help. Request an appointment with us today.

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