What is the Procedure for a Colonoscopy on a Newborn?

A colonoscopy allows a physician to see inside your baby's rectum and the entire length of her colon, to help diagnose the source of rectal bleeding or any unexplained changes in bowel function, abdominal pain or weight loss. The procedure for performing a colonoscopy in newborns is similar to that performed in older children and adults.

Preparation

• There are no national guidelines for bowel preparation in infants, according to a consensus document prepared by a task force from the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, published in the medical journal Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in 2006. Based on this document, your baby's physician may recommend that you provide your newborn with a clear liquid diet the day before the procedure and nothing by mouth for eight hours prior to the actual colonoscopy. You may also be asked to administer a small dosage of Fleet Phospho-soda, a laxative, before the procedure to help cleanse your baby's bowel.

Setting

• According to Medline Plus, a service of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a colonoscopy generally is performed in a physician's office or a hospital. You will probably be given the opportunity to stay with your baby during the procedure. If your physician does not invite you to be with your newborn and you would like to be present, ask if you may accompany your baby.

Anesthesia/Sedation

• Before the procedure begins, you should talk with your baby's physician about the use of anesthetics during the colonscopy. The NIH notes that sedation may be used, where appropriate, to help your baby relax and to reduce any discomfort your baby may experience. These medications may be delivered through an intravenous line.

Use of Restraints

• Restraints may be used during the procedure because newborns are not able to follow instructions. The restraints are there to restrict movement and ensure that the examination is performed properly. Crying is a normal response and is likely to result more from the unfamiliar environment than from any discomfort the restraints or the procedure may cause.

The Procedure

• A colonoscope is a long, flexible, lighted tube with a small camera mounted to one end that sends a video image to a computer screen. Your baby's physician will insert the colonoscope through your baby's anus and gently advance it to the lowest part of the small bowel. Air may be inserted through the colonoscope to get a better view of the colon, and suction may be used to remove fluid or stool. As the colonoscope is being withdrawn, your the physician gets a better view of the colon. If he sees inflamed or abnormal-looking tissue, the physician can insert a small forceps through the colonoscope to take a biopsy (tissue sample). This usually does not cause any pain. Your baby's vital signs will be monitored throughout the procedure, which usually lasts half an hour to an hour.

Recovery

• Rest is generally recommended after the colonoscopy is completed. It's also important to offer your baby fluids, particularly if your baby's physician recommended bowel cleansing prior to the procedure. Your baby's physician will provide the results of the examination and any tissue sampling as soon as possible.