Text written in Basque and translated automatically by Elia without any subsequent editing. SEE ORIGINAL

The colonoscopy

In the area of health, today we want to answer a question that Marta Vitoria-Gasteiz has written to us. In his writing, he tells us that a few days ago the doctor told him that it is possible to have a polyp in the large intestine and, to ensure the diagnosis, he must undergo a colonoscopy. Marta, I want to know what a colonoscopy is. First, we need to explain that the polyp is a benign tumor. But while it’s harmless, you can’t be sure it won’t turn into a cancerous tumor in the future, so it’s usually removed.

To examine the lining of the large intestine, a flexible tube with the thickness of a finger is inserted through the anus: the endoscope. This tube is made of flexible optical fibers and has at one end a video and photographic camera that allows the doctor to observe the condition of the large intestine. From the endoscope tube, the physician may also pass small instruments, for example, to take samples of some potentially suspicious tissue, such as a biopsy. If the doctor detects a polyp in the large intestine, he or she will remove it using the same method. The duration of the colonoscopy is between 30 and 60 minutes and, to avoid pain, sedatives are administered to the patient.

This is what we can tell Marta about the colonoscopy. All other viewers, you know, send us your health questions to teknopolis@elhuyar.com and we will answer them as soon as possible.