Colonoscopy Cost in India

Preparing for a colonoscopy will help you remain calm during the procedure. Here are some ways in which you can prepare yourself for this procedure: 

• If you have apprehensions about the procedure, discuss them with your doctor. 
• Discuss the benefits and risks of the procedure beforehand. 
• You may be asked to stop taking iron tablets and motion and diabetes medication for a couple of days before the procedure. 
• Ensure your doctor is aware of your allergies to anesthesia or other medicines. 
• Drink ample fluids.
• Do not consume anything solid, jell-o, or broth for at least 5 to 6 hours before the procedure.

Generally, colonoscopy procedures do not inflict any pain as the patient is sedated throughout the procedure. Pain or discomfort after the procedure is also quite uncommon. However, some people might experience slight stomach aches afterward. This is generally manageable with OTC medicines or home remedies. If you experience unmanageable pain or discomfort after a procedure, make sure you immediately get in touch with your healthcare provider. 

Colonoscopy is performed on an outpatient basis, and the procedure is quite quick. Usually, it only takes 15 to 20 minutes. However, the time may vary based on the experience and expertise of the doctor, the reason for the colonoscopy, and other factors. 

Colonoscopy results are produced soon after the procedure, generally on the same day before you leave the hospital. Since the patient is generally in a sedated state, it is advisable to bring someone along for the test to discuss the results in detail. In the case of biopsies, the results can take up to a week. 

A colonoscopy is performed in the following steps:

• The doctor will ask you to lie down on your side on the exam table. You will then be asked to draw your knees towards your chest.
• You’ll receive a sedative along with pain medication to prevent discomfort during the procedure.
• The doctor will then insert the colonoscope into the rectum.
• The colonoscope contains a light, a camera, and a tube that allows doctors to pump air or carbon dioxide into the colon to inflate it. This helps in getting a better view of the internal structures. 
• The camera at the tip of the colonoscope produces images of the colon on an external monitor, which helps doctors examine the inside of the colon.
• In the case of biopsies, instruments may be inserted through the channel for sample collection.

Colonoscopy generally does not cause serious complications. However, you should still be aware of the risks associated with the procedure. Here are some risks of colonoscopy: 

• Bleeding from the site of biopsy or polyp removal
• A tear in the colon or rectum wall 
• Allergic reaction to anesthesia

Anyone who is above 45 years of age and at risk of colon cancer may require a colonoscopy every 10 years. A colonoscopy may also be recommended if the patient is experiencing the following symptoms: 

• Rectal bleeding 
• Severe abdominal pain
• Diarrhea, constipation, or narrower stools 
• Weight loss

After the procedure, the patient is taken to the recovery area till the effect of anesthesia wears off. The blood pressure and pulse of the patient are monitored, and discharge is provided only after the patient is stable. The doctor might ask you to avoid driving and might also ask you to take complete rest at home.