What Is a Colonoscopy and Why Is It Done?

Modern technology for inspecting and monitoring diseases of the large intestine (colon) and rectum.

What Is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a specialized medical examination where a long, flexible, thin tube (colonoscope) equipped with a light and high-definition camera is inserted through the rectum. This allows direct visual inspection of the inner walls of the entire large intestine (colon) and rectum on a monitor.

While standard upper endoscopy (UGIT) is inserted through the mouth to examine only the esophagus and stomach, a colonoscopy enters through the rectum to precisely detect complex diseases throughout the entire large intestine up to the terminal ileum (the end junction of the small intestine).

Why Do Doctors Recommend a Colonoscopy?

Cancer and Polyp Screening

It is the global gold-standard test for identifying and removing small tissue growths or polyps in the large intestine and detecting early signs of colon cancer.

Chronic Gastrointestinal Bleeding

It is essential for locating the source of internal intestinal ulcers or bleeding, such as passing fresh or dark blood with stool, chronic dysentery, or complications from hemorrhoids (piles) and fissures.

IBS and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

It is performed to confirm conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, including Ulcerative Colitis), as well as to evaluate sudden weight loss, chronic diarrhea, constipation, or severe abdominal cramping and pain.

Preparation Before the Test

Complete Bowel Cleansing (Laxatives)

Starting the afternoon before the test, you must take a specific laxative powder or saline solution mixed with plenty of water as prescribed by your physician. This causes frequent watery stools to clear out all waste and thoroughly clean the inside of the bowel.

Clear Liquid Diet

You must stop eating all solid foods at least 24 hours before the test. Only clear liquids are allowed, such as green coconut water, clear soup, water, or light tea without sugar.

Medication Cautions

If you take Aspirin, blood thinners (anticoagulants), iron supplements, or insulin for diabetes, inform your physician 2 to 3 days before the test, as some medications may need to be temporarily paused.

Sedation or Anesthesia

A mild sedative or sleeping injection is usually administered during a colonoscopy so you do not feel pain or discomfort during the procedure.

Estimated Cost of Colonoscopy Test in Bangladesh

Test Name Government Hospital Private Diagnostic Center
Short Colonoscopy (Rectum & Sigmoid Area) ৳ 1,200 - ৳ 1,800 ৳ 3,500 - ৳ 5,000
Full Colonoscopy (Plain / Standard) ৳ 1,500 - ৳ 3,000 ৳ 6,000 - ৳ 8,000
Full Colonoscopy with Sedation (With Sleeping Medication) ৳ 3,000 - ৳ 4,500 ৳ 8,000 - ৳ 10,000
Biopsy / Polypectomy (Sample Collection & Polyp Removal) ৳ 1,000 - ৳ 1,500 ৳ 3,000 - ৳ 6,000

Role of Colonoscopy in Preventing Colon Cancer

90%

Cancer Prevention Rate Through Polyp Removal

Overcoming Colon Cancer Through Polyp Removal

Most colon cancers begin as small, harmless tissue growths called polyps, which slowly transform into cancer over a period of 5 to 10 years. The greatest advantage of a colonoscopy is that if physicians find any polyps during the examination, they can remove them immediately (Polypectomy).

 

This reduces the risk of colon cancer by more than 90%. Therefore, individuals over the age of 50, or those with a family history of colorectal cancer, should undergo regular screening colonoscopies.

Do you have any questions?

A colonoscopy is a life-saving test. Thanks to mild sedation, the procedure is performed comfortably and painlessly. Avoid unnecessary fear and take care of your health.

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