What is a colonoscopy?

The American Cancer Society recommends people above the age of 45 to get a colon cancer screening because they have higher risks. However, that does not mean that people younger than 45 have no chance of developing colon cancer. Click here to learn warning signs, symptoms and risk factors.

Reference: Guideline for Colorectal Cancer Screening by The American Cancer Society (ACS)

Colon cancer studies conducted in the United States recommend that patients undergo a follow-up screening approximately every 10 years. The studies warn, however, that 6 – 8% of patients whose first screening identified interval cancer in a subsequent screening 10 years later. This indicates that, for some patients, one screening every 10 years is too infrequent. Many observers therefore recommend that the interval between each screening should be reduced to seven years or five years. However, there is still disagreement on this point. Finding the correct frequency of screenings will depend on the individual profile and symptoms of each patient. Some patients may not need to wait 5 – 10 years, they may need to wait just two years. The doctor will therefore consider each patient on a case-by-case basis.

When looking at the epithelium and the shape of the blood vessels in a polyp, the doctor will check to see whether any abnormalities can be identified. Previously, the doctor would conduct a colonoscopy using a white light, but this method does not always give a clear enough image. In such cases, the doctor administers a dye injection to the patient to highlight epithelium and the shape of the blood vessels. But the dyeing process takes time to achieve enough contrast for examination.

Subsequently, through a medical collaboration with Sano Hospital in Japan, Samitivej adopted Narrow-Band Imaging (NBI) International Colorectal Endoscopic classification (NICE) with magnification. This is the most validated classification system for the detection of colorectal polyps. NBI is an imaging technique that uses a light spectrum of blue and green wavelengths to stimulate hemoglobin (Hb) (an important molecule carried by our red blood cells). As the hemoglobin molecules absorb the blue and green wavelengths, nearby blood vessels will start to appear a dark brown in color. This allows us to see the epithelium and shape of the blood vessels more clearly due the contrast in color. NBI also enables us to magnify these images, so that the doctor can see the shape of the blood vessels in maximum detail. As a result he/she can immediately distinguish the depth of any invasion of cancer cells in the tissue.

• The first step is to clear the bowel using an oral laxative so that is clean, because normally there are faeces remaining inside the bowel at all times. Patients may have to start drinking the laxative at night in preparation for their colonoscopy the next morning. Patients will also need to abstain from eating and drinking for six hours before the screening. Alternatively, patients may abstain from eating and drinking from home and consume 2 – 3 liters of laxative in the morning at the hospital. They can then spend 2 – 3 hours using the toilet to clear the bowel and become ready to receive treatment.
• Next, the doctor will inject the patient with a sedative and a painkiller. They do so to reduce discomfort caused by distension of the colon when it is filled with air, much like when a balloon is inflated. This should allow the doctor to see the interior of the colon in detail. However, if the patient is elderly and has a chronic illness, he or she will be administered a weaker sedative in the form of an inhalant. The inhalant is fast-acting but wears off quickly.
• Once the patient is sedated, the doctor will insert the colonoscope into the rectum. The colonoscope will be around 1.60m long, so that it can extend the entire length of the bowel, which is around 1.50m long. After inserting the colonoscope, the doctor will then gently guide it deep into the bowel, to a depth of around 70 – 80cm. The doctor may check as far as the entry of the colon and the end of the partial small intestine.
• If the doctor detects polyp smaller than 3cm, he/she will excise the polyp via the colonoscope. The colonoscope will have a duct through which the doctor can inset the cauterisation equipment for excising outgrowths of tissue. This means that polyp removals can be performed at the time as a regular screening, within a single procedure. The screening process should take about 30 minutes, but may take longer if there are many polyps that require removal.

During colonoscopy, if specialists find large flat polyps, they will apply the Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) technique. This procedure allows the removal of polyps without the need for open surgery. This minimizes surgical risks, removes the need for abdominal incisions (scarless), shortens hospitalization, and allows patients to recover much more rapidly. All of this enables patients to return to their normal lifestyle more quickly, reduces complications and increases safety levels. ESD is a new scarless surgical technique implemented by Samtivej Hospital as a result of its collaboration with Sano Hospital, Japan’s leading private hospital specialized and advanced in gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy for advanced diagnosis and therapeutic via endoscopy.

The first step is to visit a doctor to evaluate your situation and suitability. If you take medications or supplements, inform the doctor. This is important, as you may need to adjust your dosage or stop the medications until after the colonoscopy.

After making an appointment for your colonoscopy, you should take the following steps:

1. Stop taking aspirin or other medications that thin the blood for a week before the colonoscopy.
2. Do not eat high-fiber food such as vegetables or fruits three days before the colonoscopy.
3. Clean out your entire colon and rectum by taking a laxative. In addition, follow the preparation procedures provided by your doctor the day before the colonoscopy.
4. Do not eat or drink anything at least 6-8 hours before the colonoscopy.

Samitivej has a team ready to help and provide services for:

• Treatment Plan Consultation with a doctor via online video-call (second opinion)
• Treatment Planning if you have medical records or a price estimate from another hospital
• Cost Planning by our Appraisals Team with price guarantee (only for procedure packages without complications)
• Check Initial Coverage Eligibility with Thai and international insurance companies (only for insurance companies in contract with the Hospital)

The Liver and Digestive Institute in Bangkok uses innovative, state-of-the-art medical equipment necessary to provide speedy, accurate and reliable screening for a complete range of gastrointestinal and liver disorders including liver infections, alcohol poisoning, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, pancreatitis, gallstones, stomach cancer, colon cancer, and many more related conditions. Our team of expert gastroenterologist and hepatologist has experience from within Thailand and abroad.

You can consult our specialist online to find out about the treatment options most suitable for your condition via Samitivej Virtual Hospital. To schedule an appointment or for more information CLICK HERE.