Colonoscopy requires a fluid consistency of stool at the time of examination - this is achieved through administration of Picolax bowel preparation 24 hours prior to colonoscopy. The patient is given analgesic and sedative intravenously, and then placed in the left lateral position with knees drawn up. After rectal examination, the colonoscope is introduced.
The colonoscope is advanced along the bowel lumen with caution; if required for easier viewing, intermittent insufflation can be used to distend the path ahead.
Once the awkward sigmoid region has been crossed, passage is easy along the descending colon to the splenic flexure. The transverse colon is triangular in shape. The caecum, as expected appears as a 'blind ending' with prominent mucosal folds. Once this point is reached, the colonoscope is withdrawn to the area of interest so that investigative or therapeutic procedures may be undertaken.
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