Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a procedure to examine the bowel. People who receive a positive FOBT result will generally be referred for a colonoscopy.
What happens if the FOBT result is positive?
People who received a positive FOBT result will be advised to discuss the result with their doctor, who will generally refer them for further tests, usually a colonoscopy.What does a colonoscopy involve?
A colonoscopy is a procedure to examine the bowel.Further information on colonoscopy can be found on the Gastroenterological Society of Australia website http://www.gesa.org.au/ or from the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program’s Colonoscopy Brochure (PDF 98 KB).
Are there any risks from a colonoscopy?
Complications from colonoscopy may occur. Serious complications may include perforation (making a hole) of the bowel wall (about 1 in 1,000 examinations) and/or major bleeding from the bowel (about 3 in 1,000 examinations).People may also experience a poor reaction to the bowel preparation and/or to the sedatives/anaesthetic. Rare side effects can occur with any procedure. Death is a remote possibility.
As with any medical procedure, people should discuss the risks and benefits of colonoscopy with their doctor before consenting to the procedure.
Where can a person have a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopies are generally performed in a hospital or day clinic by a specialist, following referral from a doctor.Top of Page
What happens if a bowel cancer is detected?
If bowel cancer is detected, surgery is usually required. If the cancer is found at an early stage, the chance of a full recovery is high. Most people will be able to return to their current lifestyle.What if the colonoscopy doesn’t show anything?
A clear colonoscopy means that no polyps or cancerous growths were detected. This means that there is a low risk of developing bowel cancer within the next ten years. Medical experts advise that another FOBT is completed in five years time. No test is 100% accurate, however, so if, in the meantime, people develop any of the symptoms of bowel cancer they should see their doctor as soon as possible.Page currency, Latest update: 07 July, 2008