Colonoscopy

Why it is needed?

It helps the clinician to visualise the lining of the large bowel for the detection of mucosal abnormalities such as ulcers and polyp. It is also useful to detect narrowing of the bowel (stricture). Colonoscopy also enables clinician to obtain tissue biopsies for histological anaylsis and removal of bowel polyp. It helps diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease and bowel polyp. In adult, it helps to detect bowel cancer which occurs very rarely in children.

What preparation is needed?

You child will need to be on the low residual diet one or two days before the procedure. Bowel preparation in the form of laxatives will need to be taken by your child to clear the bowel content allowing the adequate visualisation of the bowel. Your child will need to be fasted 4 hours before the procedure.

Is there a risk?

Colonscopy in children is generally performed under general anaesthesia. This means there is general anaesthesia risk although it is generally very safe procedure but as with any medical procedure, there are some potential risks, including infection, bleeding or perforation of the digestive tract. The risk of complications is rare when performed by an experienced endoscopist. Your child may experience minor rectal bleeding, mild abdominal bloating and discomfort post procedure.