How long does a colonoscopy take

Colonoscopy is a very common examination method in our lives. This examination method is generally used for gastrointestinal diseases. Because many people have gastrointestinal diseases, doctors have no way to specifically judge the patient's condition, so they can only use some testing methods to help assist in the judgment. These testing methods are particularly intuitive and accurate. So how long does a colonoscopy take?

How long does a colonoscopy take? Generally, there are two types of colonoscopies, one is painful colonoscopy and the other is painless colonoscopy. Generally, patients will feel some pain during a painful colonoscopy. However, if the patient cooperates well, it can usually be completed in about 20 minutes. Painless colonoscopy requires anesthesia, and the patient is in an anesthetized state. Colonoscopy is generally painless. In this case, the colonoscopy may be smoother. It can basically be completed in about a quarter of an hour. Of course, if problems are found in the intestines, such as tumors or polyps, or if there is a mass that requires a pathological biopsy, the colonoscopy may take a little longer. If the bowel preparation is not very clear, it may take longer.

Colonoscopy is currently the simplest, safest and most effective method for detecting intestinal tumors and precancerous lesions. However, endoscopy is an invasive examination method after all, which causes certain discomfort and complications. Therefore, many people are afraid of this examination, which causes some colorectal lesions and even tumors to not be diagnosed early, thus delaying the best time for treatment. In recent years, with the advancement of anesthetic drugs and medical monitoring technology, painless colonoscopy has emerged. Its essence is to inject an anesthetic drug intravenously before the examination, which has a fast onset, short effective time and definite effect, so that the patient can fall asleep within a few seconds and wake up early after completing all examinations. There will be no discomfort or pain during the examination, so it is becoming more and more popular among patients. However, colonoscopy also has its shortcomings, such as anesthesia accidents, sometimes a long anesthesia recovery process, and high costs.

How long does a colonoscopy take?

Traditional colonoscopy takes about 20 minutes, but is relatively painful (usually tolerable). Painless electronic colonoscopy can be performed under general anesthesia and lasts about an hour. The patient does not feel any sensation or pain. However, not all patients are suitable for colonoscopy under any circumstances. Generally speaking, patients with the following conditions are temporarily not suitable for colonoscopy.

1. Severe suppurative inflammation in the anus and rectum, perianal abscess or anal fissure and other painful lesions. Because conducting an examination under such circumstances may cause the infection to spread and cause unbearable pain to the patient.

2. Various acute enteritis, severe ischemic diseases and radiation colitis, active bacillary dysentery, acute stage of ulcerative colitis, especially the fulminant type. Because when the intestinal inflammation causes edema and congestion, the intestinal wall tissue is thin and the compliance is reduced, intestinal perforation is prone to occur.

3. Women should strictly follow the indications and proceed with caution during pregnancy. Women should generally not be examined during menstruation to avoid ascending infection.

4. Examination is not advisable in cases of peritonitis, intestinal perforation, etc. to avoid aggravating the condition.

5. When extensive adhesions in the abdominal cavity and intestinal stenosis caused by various reasons make it difficult to insert the endoscope, do not forcefully continue the examination to avoid tearing of the adhesion bands, mesentery or intestinal wall.

6. Patients who are extremely weak, elderly, or have a history of severe cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and cannot tolerate the examination must be cautious.

7. Children and mentally ill patients should not be examined. If necessary, the examination can be performed under anesthesia.