Colonoscopy in Barcelona

A colonoscopy is a medical examination conducted by passing a flexible tube through the anus in order to visualise the colon directly and comprehensively on a monitor (depending on the examination, the last section of the small intestine may also be visualised) for both diagnosis and therapeutic purposes.

A colonoscopy is indicated, under medical supervision, in the following cases:

• Examination of digestive symptoms suggesting colonic dysfunction: Changes in bowel habits (constipation, diarrhoea), rectal bleeding, sensation of incomplete evacuation, unusual rectal evacuation or abdominal pain of an unknown cause.
• Examination of patients with a positive faecal occult blood test. This test is recommended for the early diagnosis of bowel cancer in the general population of between 50 and 70 years of age, without rectal or colonic symptoms, but it is less effective than the colonoscopy in detecting precancerous polyps.
• Checking evolution in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis).
• Confirming the presence of colonic lesions detected by means of other techniques.
• A specific diagnostic and therapeutic procedure is required: Biopsies, removal of polyps or tumours, coagulation of bleeding lesions, introduction of colonic prostheses, etc.
• People with a personal or family history of polyps, cancer or bowel disease.
• The general population without symptoms from 50 years of age, for the prevention, early detection and endoscopic removal of precancerous, bowel lesions or polyps.

An endoscopic procedure requires the prior cleansing of the colon in order to guarantee that the entire large intestine can be visualised correctly.

Before the test, it is necessary to avoid fibre in your diet for a few days (no fruit, vegetables, pulses, wholemeal bread, etc.). The day before the test, it is necessary to consume only liquids and take laxative solutions (they can be complemented, depending on their effectiveness and the patient’s tolerance, with colon hydrotherapy for greater cleansing of the colon). The day of the colonoscopy, it is necessary to have an empty stomach (consuming nothing eight hours prior to the test).

The nursing and healthcare staff at the centre will explain the preparation requirements to you personally before the colonoscopy.

The colonoscopy procedure consists of passing a flexible tube through the anus in order to visualise the entire rectum and colon.

As the examination is usually uncomfortable, we recommend that it is conducted under deep sedation.

In most cases, the examination makes it possible to diagnose the problem correctly and often solve it endoscopically (without surgery) at the same time, applying endoscopic therapy for any existing organic lesions.

As it is an outpatient examination patients can go home after the procedure, however, they must be accompanied by a family member. If sedation has been administered, no dangerous activities or activities requiring a high level of mental concentration can be performed during the hours following the procedure.

In some cases of high risk endoscopic treatments, it is advised that the patient stays at the centre for greater monitoring.

Do not be scared of this test. It is a safe test in expert hands.

Read the information carefully about the procedure on the consent form.

Consult your doctor or nurse if you have any queries before, during or after the test.

Follow the instructions given by the healthcare staff regarding diet and preparation over the days prior to the test: it will facilitate the procedure, prevent risk and guarantee the success of the test.

As the test can be uncomfortable or painful in some cases, it is recommended that it is conducted at a centre where it can be performed with deep sedation.

Always go accompanied.

Even if you have no symptoms, it is recommended that you discuss with your doctor having your first colonoscopy once you are over 50 years of age, in order to detect any early, premalignant lesions to the colon.

Go for the regular check-ups indicated by your doctor.