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The pediatric gastroenterologists at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital have specialized training to perform diagnostic testing that can help determine the cause of gastrointestinal (GI) problems.
One of these diagnostic tests is a colonoscopy, which uses an endoscope to examine the intestines to look for bleeding or growths that may be causing a problem.
During a colonoscopy, a pediatric gastroenterologist examines the lining of the colon and rectum using an endoscope, which is a thin flexible tube with a tiny light and camera attached. We access the colon by passing these instruments through the anus.
The colon is a long hollow tube responsible for the final stages of digestion. The colon absorbs water from digested food and helps produce solid waste (stool), which is eliminated during a bowel movement.
Diagnosing gastrointestinal (GI) problems
The pediatric gastroenterologists at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital have specialized training to perform diagnostic testing that can help them uncover what is causing a problem.
One of these diagnostic tests is a colonoscopy, which uses an endoscope to examine the intestines to look for bleeding or growths that may be causing a problem. During your child’s colonoscopy, the doctor will collect small tissue samples (called biopsies) to help diagnose your child's condition.
The day before your child’s procedure, he or she will drink a liquid solution that works as a laxative to clean and empty the bowel before having a colonoscopy.
Before the colonoscopy, your child will receive medication to sleep through the procedure. A colonoscopy is an outpatient test, meaning you and your child can go home shortly after it’s over.