Colorectal cancer is a common condition in Australia, affecting 1 in 20 people, particularly between ages 55 and 75. Colonoscopy is the primary test for detecting colorectal cancer, allowing for inspection, biopsy, and potential polyp removal, though it requires thorough bowel preparation to ensure effectiveness. The procedure is generally safe with a low complication risk, including a 1 in 1000 chance of bowel perforation.

1. Colorectal-Surgeon
Surgeons provide an integrated and wholistic approach
to the diagnosis
and treatment of all colorectal conditions
Website : http://colorectal-surgeon.com.au/

2. Colorectal
Colorectal cancer (bowel cancer) is a very common
cancer in Australia. It affects about 1 in 20 persons in
Australia.
Colorectal cancer becomes more common with age.
Most patients with colorectal cancer develop the
condition between 55 and 75 years of age. Men and
women are equally affected although cancers of the
rectum occur more frequently in men.

3. Colonoscopy
• Colonoscopy is the best test for detection of cancer
there is a small risk of missing a small cancer. The
risks and benefits of colonoscopy should be
discussed in detail with your doctor prior to
proceeding with the test.
• The specific details of your colonoscopy bowel
preparation will be discussed and given to you at
the time of your consultation

4. What is Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is an examination to inspect the inner
lining of the large bowel (rectum and colon) using a
flexible tube with a camera at its tip. It is inserted via
the anus and gently guided to the start of the large
bowel (caecum).
During colonoscopy, carbon dioxide gas is used to inflate
the bowel to allow a safe passage of the colonoscope
through the bowel.

5. If an abnormality is encountered a tissue biopsy can be
taken through the colonoscopy and sent for histological
examination. If polyps are found, these small growths of
the bowel lining can be removed with either cautery (hot
biopsy) or a wire loop device (snare).
This allows tissue to be retrieved and sent for histological
examination.
Early detection and removal of polyps protects from
developing colorectal cancer.

6. Preparing for Colonoscopy
For the treatment of Colonoscopy, preparation is required prior
the test to empty the bowel of its content. Failure to do this may
result in an incomplete or inadequate examination and the need
to repeat the procedure. The preparation involves drinking a
“bowel prep” solution which has a laxative effect.
This should be done at home as you will need to be close to the
toilet for the duration of the preparation. During the preparation
you are not allowed to eat any solid food. You are allowed clear
fluids (apple juice, water, clear soup, etc) until 6 hours prior to
the procedure. Only when your bowel motion is the consistency
of clear liquid, is your preparation adequate.

7. Procedure.
Colonoscopy is a safe procedure with a low risk of
complications. The most significant risk of this is a
perforation of the bowel. The risk of this is
approximately 1 in 1000.
If a biopsy or polypectomy is performed the risk of
bleeding from this is about 3 in 1000.

8. Thank you