Colonoscopy in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a test that lets a gastroenterologist see the whole lining of the large bowel (the colon) and the rectum directly. A long, thin, flexible tube with a light and a small camera at its tip, called a colonoscope, is guided gently through the back passage and around the bends of the colon. The pictures appear on a screen in real time, so the doctor can examine every section as the scope is slowly withdrawn.
Its great strength is that it can act as well as look. Small tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken painlessly through the scope, and polyps, which are small growths on the bowel lining, can usually be removed during the same test. At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, colonoscopy is carried out by the gastroenterology team, with the same specialist who performs the test explaining what was seen.
Who needs it
Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy to explain symptoms or to check a bowel that needs monitoring:
- Blood in the stool or bleeding from the back passage
- A lasting change in bowel habit, such as looser stools or new constipation
- Iron deficiency anaemia with no clear cause
- Ongoing lower abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss
- A positive stool test for hidden blood
- Follow-up of known Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- Surveillance after earlier polyps were removed
- A close relative diagnosed with bowel cancer, especially at a young age
People without symptoms who want to reduce their bowel cancer risk can read about the options on the colon cancer screening page.
What happens
On the day you change into a gown and a nurse checks your details, medicines and allergies. A small cannula is placed in your arm for sedation. Most people choose sedation, which makes you drowsy and relaxed, and deeper sedation given by an anaesthesia team can be arranged; the options are described on anesthesia for endoscopy and sedation for procedures.
You lie on your left side with your knees drawn up. The colonoscope is passed into the rectum and guided around the colon, and a little air or gas is used to open the bowel so the lining can be seen clearly. This can give a feeling of pressure or wind, which passes quickly. Your position may be changed, or a nurse may press gently on your tummy, to help the scope round the bends.
The most careful part of the examination happens on the way out, as the doctor inspects each fold of the lining. Polyps found are usually removed with a small wire loop, and biopsies are taken where the lining looks inflamed or unusual. Samples are sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Preparing for it
Bowel preparation is the most important step. The lining can only be examined properly when the colon is completely clean, and a well-prepared bowel gives the clearest view of small, flat polyps.
You are given written instructions and a bowel-cleansing preparation, a drink that empties the bowel, and the timing is set for your appointment. Typically you eat lighter, low-fibre food in the days before, then switch to clear fluids only: water, clear broth, clear juice and plain tea. Expect frequent visits to the toilet once the preparation starts, so stay close to one.
A useful sign that the preparation has worked: what you pass should be clear or pale yellow liquid, like urine, with no solid pieces. If it still looks brown or cloudy, call the unit for advice.
In the UAE heat, drink plenty of clear fluid throughout the preparation to stay well hydrated, and keep cool indoors. Tell the team in advance if you have diabetes, kidney disease, or take blood thinners or iron tablets, as some medicines need adjusting. During Ramadan, discuss timing with the team so the preparation and test can be planned around your fast. Arrange an adult to take you home if you have sedation.
Afterwards
You rest in the recovery area until the sedation wears off. Bloating and passing wind are normal for a few hours and ease as the air leaves the bowel. You can usually eat and drink soon afterwards. After sedation, plan a quiet rest of the day and leave driving, signing important documents and operating machinery until the next day.
Before you leave, the doctor explains what was seen and gives you a written report. Biopsy and polyp results follow at a later appointment, together with advice on whether and when a repeat colonoscopy is needed.
Go to the emergency department straight away if you have heavy bleeding from the back passage, severe or worsening tummy pain, or a fever in the days after your colonoscopy. A small amount of blood on the paper is common after a biopsy or polyp removal; contact the hospital on 06 599 7777 if you are unsure or have any questions.
Cost and insurance
Colonoscopy for symptoms or monitoring is covered by most UAE health insurance plans, usually after pre-approval. Screening colonoscopy without symptoms is covered by some plans and excluded by others, and sedation and laboratory analysis of samples may be listed separately. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you check your cover before booking on 06 599 7777.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
Is a colonoscopy painful?
Most people find a colonoscopy uncomfortable rather than painful, especially with sedation. The main sensations are pressure, cramping and wind as air is used to open the bowel, and these settle soon after the test.
Will I be asleep during a colonoscopy?
With standard sedation you are drowsy and relaxed, and many people remember little of the test, while deeper sedation from an anaesthesia team can be arranged if needed. The choices are explained on the [anesthesia for endoscopy](/services/anesthesia-for-endoscopy/) page.
What are the risks of a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is a common and generally safe test, but its risks include bleeding, mostly after polyp removal, a small tear in the bowel wall (perforation), which is rare but serious, and reactions to sedation. The test can also miss a small polyp, which is much more likely when the bowel preparation is incomplete. Your doctor explains how these apply to you before you consent.
How do I know my bowel preparation has worked?
Your bowel preparation has usually worked when what you pass is clear or pale yellow liquid with no solid pieces. If it is still brown or cloudy close to your appointment time, contact the unit for advice before travelling.
Can a polyp be removed during a colonoscopy?
Most polyps can be removed during the colonoscopy itself, using a small wire loop passed through the scope, and you feel nothing as it is removed. The polyp is sent to the laboratory, and occasionally a large polyp needs a separate planned procedure.
When will I get my colonoscopy results?
You are told what the doctor saw before you go home, and biopsy or polyp results come back from the laboratory later and are discussed at a follow-up appointment. That appointment also sets the timing of any repeat colonoscopy.
Can I have a colonoscopy during Ramadan?
A colonoscopy can be planned during Ramadan, but the bowel preparation involves drinking large volumes of fluid, so many people prefer to schedule a non-urgent test outside the fasting month. Discuss the timing with the gastroenterology team, who can advise based on how urgent the test is.
Does insurance cover a colonoscopy in the UAE?
Most UAE insurance plans cover colonoscopy requested for symptoms or monitoring, usually after pre-approval, while screening colonoscopy without symptoms is sometimes excluded. Check your cover with Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah on 06 599 7777.
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