Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy (also known as "intestine screening") is a common intestinal examination in Hong Kong. A colonoscopy utilizes a soft, flexible endoscope to evaluate lesions and diseases of the lower gastrointestinal tract, including the terminal ileum, cecum, various parts of the colon, rectum, and anus. A colonoscopy can detect lesions and abnormal cells, and it also functions to remove polyps and perform hemostasis. If you experience blood stools, fecal occult blood or black stools, mucus in stool, changes in bowel habits (persistent constipation/diarrhea), abdominal cramps, difficulty in defecation, a feeling of incomplete evacuation, or symptoms related to colorectal cancer, you should follow a doctor's advice to undergo a colonoscopy. Please Contact Us for detained pricing and information of cystoscopy at HKMED.
In addition to blood tests and X-rays, a colonoscopy can more accurately identify the cause of symptoms. Doctors can observe the condition of the intestinal wall on a screen and use various instruments to perform procedures such as hemostasis and polyp removal, as well as extract suspicious tissue for further laboratory testing.
Enquiry for appointment
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Who should have colonoscopy?
Individuals aged 50 or above without any symptoms should undergo their first colonoscopy, or follow a doctor's recommendation for treatment if symptoms are present. If no abnormalities are found after the colonoscopy, one should still undergo regular fecal occult blood tests or colonoscopies as advised by the doctor.
People of all ages are at risk of colorectal cancer and should seek medical advice and examination as soon as possible if they have:
Bloody stools
Anaemia
Changes in bowel habits (alternating between constipation and diarrhea).
Chronic diarrhoea
Unexplained abdominal pain
Polyps, abnormal cells
Colonoscopy Check-up
Colonoscopy is a simple procedure that can be completed in about 2 hours at day medical centre. Prior to colonoscopy, an anaesthetic procedure will be performed to minimise discomfort during the examination. Colonoscopy using a flexible tube of approximately 1.3 cm diameter is passed through the anus into the colon, and the lining of the colon will be examined. The entire colonoscopy generally takes about 15 to 45 minutes and the patient will be then taken to the recovery room where he/she will be checked with the vital-index device for further monitoring by a team of healthcare professionals.
Colonoscopy procedure process is simple and quick
1
Schedule doctor's evaluation and consultation
2
Meet with the specialist
3
Visit the clinic the day before to receive laxative solution
4
Undergo colonoscopy examination
Preparing for Colonoscopy
Patients must take the low-fibre meal and bowel-cleansing medication 3 days prior to the colonoscopy so that the doctor can examine more accurately the lesions in the lining of the colon. The patients should inform the doctor of any medication currently taking, or the suspect or confirmed pregnancy before the examination so that the doctor is aware of the patient’s condition. After the colonoscopy, the patient will be taken to the recovery room for a rest. Due to the use of sedatives, patients are advised to avoid operating heavy machinery, signing legal documents or driving for 24 hours after the examination.
Bowel cleansing should be carried out as instructed by the healthcare staff before the examination to prevent faecal matters from obstructing the observation of the colon.
No food or drink six hours before the procedure.
Please inform the doctor before the inspection if the patient is or might be pregnant.
Please remove all metallic items (such as dentures, jewelry, and contact lenses, etc.) and change into the procedure gown.
Please inform the doctor if you are taking any drugs or medications, particularly for diabetes or that could affect blood clotting.
Government Colonoscopy Subsidy - Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme
Post-Colonoscopy Care
After a colonoscopy, you need to rest in bed and wait for the effects of anesthesia and sedatives to subside before getting up to move around or eating. Generally, it takes 1 to 2 hours for the effects of sedation to wear off.
Within 24 hours after the examination, you should avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or signing legal documents.
If colonic polyp removal was performed during the colonoscopy, patients may experience minor blood in their stool over the next 1 to 2 days, which is usually normal. It is recommended to monitor the situation; if any discomfort or suspected complications occur, please seek medical assistance.
Colonoscopy / Colorectal Endoscopy FAQs
Colonoscopy is a simple check-up that can be completed in about half day after the doctor has assessed the patient’s physical condition and considered the procedure could be conducted at a day medical centre.
No referral letter is required for specialist services at HKMED, but if you need to apply for an insurance claim, you may need to check with your insurance company for the details of the claim.
On the day before a colonoscopy, it is recommended to consume liquid foods such as plain congee, clear soups, and pulp-free juices. During this period, avoid dairy products, high-fiber foods, greasy or fried foods, nuts, seeds, coarse vegetables, and fruit skins. Additionally, avoid drinks containing red or purple dyes, as these may interfere with the examination results.
Since a colonoscopy requires a low-residue diet 3 days prior to the procedure and complete bowel cleansing to prevent stool from obstructing the view of the colon, same-day appointments are not available. The standard procedure involves an initial consultation with a doctor to understand the patient's condition before scheduling the appropriate examination and treatment.
A faecal occult blood test is non-invasive and convenient, but it cannot detect polyps and tumors which are not bleeding. The best method to clearly inspect the entire large bowel is through colonoscopy. If polyps are discovered, they can be removed immediately to prevent them from becoming malignant. Before you go for screening, discuss your situation and symptoms with your family doctor to choose the most appropriate method.
Anaesthesia will be used during colonoscopy to relax during the examination, it takes around an hour to recover after the procedure. In order to speed up the recovery, please rest more and drink plenty of water.
During the entire colonoscopy (large intestine endoscopy) examination, HKMED offers two types of anesthesia for patients to choose from, in order to reduce patient anxiety and discomfort caused during the examination:
- Intravenous sedation: the patient is injected with intravenous sedatives to relax for the colonoscopy.
- Deep anaesthesia: through deep anaesthesia, patients can undergo colonoscopy without discomfort.
During the examination process, an endoscope-specific carbon dioxide insufflator is used to reduce abdominal discomfort after the examination. Additionally, a high-pressure automatic flushing function is available, which increases efficiency while shortening the examination time.
Patients must take the low-fibre meal and bowel-cleansing medication 3 days prior to the colonoscopy so that the doctor can examine more accurately the lesions in the lining of the colon. The patients should inform the doctor of any medication currently taking, or the suspect or confirmed pregnancy before the examination so that the doctor is aware of the patient’s condition. After the colonoscopy, the patient will be taken to the recovery room for a rest. Due to the use of sedatives, patients are advised to avoid operating heavy machinery, signing legal documents or driving for 24 hours after the examination.
Although colonoscopy is an invasive procedure, it is a safe check-up item. Patients with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, valvular heart disease, or those taking medication, however, should inform their doctor before the examination so that they are aware of their health condition. Patients should also contact the centre as soon as possible if they feel unwell after the examination or if they have any questions about the test results.
*Please inquire at the Centre for details.
