Villa Stuart Private Clinic

Colonoscopy

DIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY

Digestive endoscopy is a diagnostic examination that allows, through an endoscope, the exploration and visualization of the interior of the digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, duodenum, colon, rectum). In addition to checking for any alterations or lesions, it also allows for the performance of minimally invasive procedures.

Depending on the area to be examined, the following procedures will be conducted:

  • Colonoscopy, access through the anal cavity.
    Organs studied: colon and rectum
  • Gastroscopy, access through the oral cavity.
    Organs studied: esophagus, stomach, and duodenum

COLONOSCOPY

Colonoscopy, or rectosigmoidocolonoscopy (RSCS), is a diagnostic examination that, by introducing the colonoscope through the anal sphincter, allows visualization of the interior of the intestine in the colon, rectum, and sigmoid segments, to check for lesions and, where necessary, perform biopsies or mini-invasive procedures.

INDICATIONS FOR THE PROCEDURE

It is recommended to perform the colonoscopic procedure in the presence of symptoms such as:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Rectal bleeding/Blood in stool
  • Persistent changes in bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea, ...)
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Family history of colorectal tumors
  • Unexplained anemia
  • Prevention for all individuals starting from 50 years of age for early diagnosis of colorectal cancer
  • Prevention for all individuals starting from 50 years of age in case of family history of intestinal polyps or colon tumors
  • Further diagnostic investigation after a positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
  • Follow-up after surgical interventions for tumors or partial or total removal of polyps
  • Monitoring and control of intestinal condition in the presence of chronic inflammatory diseases (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, ...)

The most common diseases diagnosed through colonoscopy are:

  • Hemorrhoids
  • Polyps
  • Diverticulitis
  • Inflammatory diseases (colitis)
  • Neoplasms

*Text for informational purposes only, the gastroenterologist or the facility where the procedure will be performed will provide precise instructions

Diagnostic colonoscopy lasts from 15 to 45 minutes.

The duration may extend in case of:

  • Execution of procedures such as biopsies (tissue sampling), polypectomies, and other maneuvers
  • Conscious or deep sedation of the patient (preparation time for sedation and recovery time from sedation)
  • Patient's anatomy in terms of colon length and conformation
  • Intestinal preparation (bowel cleansing) is not optimal

*Text for informational purposes only, the gastroenterologist or the facility where the procedure will be performed will provide precise instructions

  • Procedure scheduled in the morning: total fasting from midnight the previous day (no food, no liquids, no water), light dinner the night before
  • Procedure scheduled in the afternoon: total fasting for at least 6 hours (no food, no liquids, no water), possibility of having a light breakfast (tea and rusks/biscuits)
  • Procedure with sedation: total fasting from midnight the previous day (no food, no liquids, no water), removal and storage of any dental prosthesis
  • Specific diet: TO BE FOLLOWED in the 4 days before the examination
  • Specific diet and specific preparations to cleanse the colon: TO BE TAKEN the day before the examination with different methods depending on the low, medium, or high volume of the preparation and depending on the time of the examination (morning before 1:30 PM - afternoon after 2:00 PM)
  • Only in case of constipation: TAKE treatment 4 days before the examination
  • Regular medication: TAKE with very little water
  • Cardioaspirin and Cardirene medications: DO NOT DISCONTINUE (it is advised not to take them only on the day of the procedure)
  • Antiplatelet medications: DISCONTINUE 7 days before the examination
  • New oral anticoagulants: DISCONTINUE 2 days before the examination
  • Oral anticoagulants "TAO": DISCONTINUE 7 days before the examination

It is necessary to contact the cardiologist/angiologist/TAO center prescribing the antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy to communicate the need for therapy suspension and evaluate the possible administration of subcutaneous heparin

*Text for informational purposes only, the gastroenterologist or the facility where the procedure will be performed will provide precise instructions

1. Preparation: Before the examination, preparation for intestinal cleansing is necessary (laxatives and specific diet)

2. Sedation: Administration, depending on the needs, by an anesthesiologist, of light or deep sedation.

3. Positioning the patient lying on their side on the examination table

4. Introduction of the colonoscope through the anus, advancing it along the rectum, colon, and sigmoid.

5. Examination: the camera at the end of the colonoscope sends real-time images to a monitor, allowing the doctor to observe the intestinal mucosa in detail. If necessary, CO2 insufflation is provided for better visualization of the organs.

6. Biopsies or therapies: collection of tissue samples for histological analysis (biopsies) or performance of minimally invasive therapeutic procedures.

7. Conclusion: extraction of the colonoscope and management of the patient’s awakening post-sedation

  • Possible temporary abdominal bloating due to the introduced CO2
  • In case of examination under sedation, the patient will be drowsy and must arrange for return home accompanied and MUST NOT:
    - drive vehicles
    - operate potentially dangerous machinery
    - perform demanding tasks
    - make legal decisions within the following 24 hours
  • Diagnostic rectosigmoidocolonoscopy (RSCS) with possible biopsies
  • Operative rectosigmoidocolonoscopy (RSCS)

The Villa Stuart Clinic is affiliated with major insurance companies and supplementary health care funds.

Learn more

For information and bookings

Monday / Friday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM / Saturday 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM

06 35528500

Emergency service

Service available 24 hours a day

800.118.166

Colonoscopy

Team

Dr. Vittorio Riso

Surgeon

Specialist in gastroenterology

Dr. Roberto Finizio

Surgeon

Specialist in gastroenterology

Dr. Fabio Zannoni

Surgeon

Specialist in gastroenterology

Prof. Marcello Anti

Surgeon

Specialist in gastroenterology

Dr. Vincenzo Masi

Surgeon

Specialist in gastroenterology

Dr. Lucio Petruzziello

Surgeon

Specialist in gastroenterology

Dr. Francesca Picconi

Surgeon

Specialist in Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy

Dr. Maria Lia Scribano

Surgeon

Specialist in gastroenterology

Prof. Italo Stroppa

Surgeon

Specialist in Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy

Dr. Ottavio Bassi

Surgeon

Specialist in gastroenterology

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FROM AUGUST 10 TO 22

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