Editing Gastroenterology (section)

=== Colonoscopy ===
{{See also|Colonoscopy}}
[[File:Diagram_showing_a_colonoscopy_CRUK_060.svg|thumb|Diagram of a colonoscopy procedure]]
A procedure using a [[Endoscope|long thin tube with a camera]] that is passed through the [[Human anus|anus]] to visualize the [[rectum]] and the entire length of the colon. The procedure is performed either to look for [[Colorectal polyp|colon polyps]] and/or [[Colorectal cancer|colon cancer]] in somebody without symptoms, referred to as [[Screening (medicine)|screening]], or to further evaluate symptoms including [[rectal bleeding]], [[Melena|dark tarry stools]], change in bowel habits or stool consistency (diarrhea, pencil-thin stool), abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss. Before the procedure, the physician might ask the patient to stop taking certain medications including blood thinners, aspirin, diabetes medications, or [[nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug]]s. A [[Bowel cleansing|bowel prep]] is usually taken the night before and into the morning of the procedure which consists of an [[enema]] or [[laxative]]s, either pills or powder dissolved in liquid, that will cause diarrhea. The procedure might need to be stopped and rescheduled if there is stool remaining in the colon due to an incomplete bowel prep because the physician can not adequately visualize the colon. During the procedure, the patient is [[Sedation|sedated]] and the scope is used to examine the entire length of the colon looking for polyps, bleeding, or abnormal tissue. A [[biopsy]] or [[Polypectomy|polyp removal]] can then be performed and the tissue sent to the lab for evaluation. The procedure usually takes thirty minutes to an hour followed by a one to two hour observation period. Complications include bloating, cramping, a reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, and a [[Gastrointestinal perforation|hole through the wall]] of the colon that may require repeat colonoscopy or surgery. Signs of a serious complication requiring urgent or emergent medical attention include severe pain in the abdomen, fever, bleeding that does not improve, dizziness, and weakness.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Colonoscopy {{!}} NIDDK |url=https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/colonoscopy |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases |language=en-US}}</ref>