Colonoscopy at Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara

Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer among men and second most common cancer among women in Malaysia. Among the tests used to screen for colorectal cancer include fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy colonoscopy, and CT colonography. Although diet and healthy lifestyle plays a major role in colorectal cancer, a highlight on the prevention is still via colonoscopy examination.

Colonoscopy is a ‘gold-standard’ test that enables doctors to look at the inner lining of the large intestine (rectum and colon), using a thin, flexible tube with a high definition camera at the tip called a colonoscope. This procedure is done with the help of sedation or asleep and if there is an abnormal finding during this procedure such as a polyp/s or a growth, it can removed or a biopsy (extraction of tissues) can be obtained to be further examined under the microscope to determine the nature of this growth. It takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes for a complete examination and it is done as a day-care procedure without the need for an admission.

As with any procedure, it comes with a risk and colonoscopy does have a small risk which includes infection, bleeding and perforation which is less than 0.01%. The important message is the benefits of colonoscopy outweigh the risk.

At Beacon Hospital, our doctors perform colonoscopies for patients at risk of, or with symptoms of, ulcers, colon polyps, tumours, and areas of inflammation or bleeding.

Colonoscopy Procedure

2 DAYS BEFORE the procedure, consult our doctors:

Please do inform the doctor if you have Diabetes, High Blood Pressure or Heart problems or on any anti-coagulation or blood thinners such as Aspirin, Warfarin, Plavix etc.

Stop taking iron tablets.

Bowel preparation will be prescribed by our doctor with the purpose of clearing your bowel content in preparation for the colonoscopy procedure.

1 DAY BEFORE the procedure:

Start a strict, clear liquid diet.

A clear liquid diet include:

• Plain white bread, porridge.

• Beef or chicken broth that is clear

• Tea or coffee without milk

• Soft-boiled eggs

• Apple, white grape or cranberry juice

• Avoid: Juice with pulp, Milk, Cream and Solid food

After a light dinner, you will need to take the Bowel Preparation prescribed by the doctor and follow the instructions given. Bear in mind that Bowel Preparation will cause you to have many bowel movements.

You should FAST (clear fluids are allowed but no solids/food) for 6 hours before the procedure.

ON THE DAY OF the procedure:

As advised by our doctors, if you are required to take your anti-hypertensive or heart medications please have it with sips of water and stop diabetic medication if you are fasting.

If possible, try to get a family member to accompany and drive you as you will be sedated for the procedure. Please arrive earlier than the appointment time in order to avoid any delays.

A full report of the colonoscopy will be provided to you once you have recovered from the sedation.

FOLLOW UP:

In the event of any abnormal endoscopy findings and any further treatment required, the doctor will set an appointment as a follow-up.