Colonoscopy
A Colonoscopy is a test in which a doctor looks directly into the last part if the intestines with a narrow bendable tube mounted with a camera to find out why children have diarrhea, bleeding and stomach pain. Download the GIKids Colonoscopy Fact Sheet to why your child may need a colonoscopy, how to prepare for a colonoscopy and what to expect after a colonoscopy.
Comic Strip – How to prepare for a colonoscopy – Bowel Prep
Courtesy of Harpreet Pall, MD, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
What is a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is a test in which the gastroenterologist looks directly at the lining of the lower intestine (called “colon” or “large intestine”) with a narrow bendable tube mounted with a camera and light. This lubricated instrument is inserted into the sedated patient via the anus and can travel to just above the colon, into the lowest part of the small intestine. Tiny tissue samples (biopsies) are usually taken during the examination, and the doctor can also remove growths (polyps) using the scope.
Why might a child need a colonoscopy?
Nutrition and healthy eating habits start at home. Here are the top 10 tips from GIKids to help your family stay on track.
What happens before and after the test?
In the days right before the test, your child will need to take oral medicine to flush out all the stool, and will also need to drink lots of clear fluids. It is important that during this time he/she does not eat any solid food or drink any liquids that you can’t see through. For 2 or more hours right before the colonoscopy, your child cannot have anything to eat or drink, as this would make it less safe to have the sedation/anesthesia (sleeping medication) needed for the test. You will be given more detailed instructions on all of the above by your child’s doctor or nurse.
After the test, the doctor will tell you what was seen with the scope, and may have pictures of your child’s intestine to show you. You will get biopsy results later. Once your child is awake and drinking liquids, he/she can go home and start eating as before. A few children feel sick after the test and may be watched a little longer until they feel better.
What are the risks of colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is a safe procedure, but does have some small risks. In general these are: a hole made in the intestinal wall, excessive bleeding, problems from the sleeping medications given for tests, or infections.
Your gastroenterologist will go over these and any other risks related to your own child’s situation.
What should we watch for after the colonoscopy?
Your child may have a little blood in the stool for a day or so, and this is ok. There may be discomfort from gas in the intestine left over from the test, which will pass with time, as the child lets it out. However, if your child has any of the following, you should call your doctor or go to the emergency department: abdominal pain for more than an hour, an abdomen that is big and hard, bleeding more than about a spoonful, bleeding that continues beyond the second day, fever, or repeated throwing up.
