Is air injected into the colon during a colonoscopy?
I was just wondering if air is injected into the colon during a colonoscopy test to allow the scope to better maneuver through the colon. I believe I heard this is the case but am not sure. If you have had the procedure (and were awake), was it a lot of air to the point of abdominal bloating?
Do they inject the air prior to putting in the scope or does the scope itself inject air? If they do it beforehand, what do they use, a pump or something? Does your belly plump out a bit?
Tagged with: abdominal bloating • colon • Colonoscopy • maneuver • scope
Filed under: Colonoscopy
Denisedds (88)
yes! its horrible! my husbands stomach burts with so much air! that is one of the risk the dr’s wont admit to. your colon and / or stomach can burst! its horribly painful. i’d never ever have that done. you will never be the same either.
Yes, air is injected into the colon in order to widen the colon so the camera can travel more easily. It is uncomfortable, but not painful, and yes, I was awake for the procedure. The fun part is when it’s all over and you lie there in the recovery room farting until all the air is out. In fact, they just stand around encouraging you to fart before they will let you leave!
I’ve had a bunch of these procedures. When you are in the recovery room, everyone is farting. I never experienced painful bloating. Hey, go for the Versed. Never stay awake if you have the option of sleeping through something icky. The procedure isn’t bad if you have good drugs. I can attest to that.
Yes they use air to open the colon so the doctor can guide the scope. If you are awake, you will be passing the air while the procedure is underway. The air is a part of the pain/discomfort; and the scope (usually not the end) is the other part of the pain . When you are awake, you can say to the doctor "As you finished in each area, how about removing some of the air with the scope?" They can and sometimes will. They won’t remove it all; but, some helps.
If you choose "no sedation" and the pain gets intense tell the doctor slow down and ask for a nurse to provide pressure in the area of pain. It works. 10 to 15 minutes or so on the way in. There is no pain on the way out.
As for those who tell you to take versed, I will bet they have never done it without sedation. I am not sure why assumption makes them an expert. Versed is an amnesia inducing drug. You are aware of what is going on. The doctor proceeds at full speed because you are supposed to numb and you probably can’t communicate. Maybe the pain killer is working and if it’s not… well, like the date rape drug, you most likely won’t remember it.
Usually. My mommy just had a colonoscopy on Saturday. She hated it….
let it rip!
If the polyp removal is on a bend or on the left side of the descending colon, then gas must be put in to give better acces to the polyp esp if it not s a stalked variety. after a few hours of MILD discomfort all will be ok