Fresenius Kabi supplies a range of products that are used for the preparation of the bowel prior to colonoscopy. Fresenius Kabi also has a treatment for Ulcerative Colitis.

 
What is a colonoscopy?
 
A colonoscopy is an examination of the large colon and the end of the small bowel with an endoscope, a fibre optic camera on a flexible tube passed through the anus.
 
The procedure enables the physician to investigate the bowel for inflamed tissue, abnormal growths, polyps and ulcers. Colonoscopy is also carried out to detect early cancer. Colonoscopy also allows the biopsy or removal of suspected lesions.

What is the colon?
 
The colon or large bowel is the last portion of the digestive tract, starting at the end of the small intestine and ending at the rectum and anus. The colon is about 1.5 metres in length and its main function is to store unabsorbed food waste and absorb water and other body fluids before the waste is eliminated as stool.

 

Preparation of the bowel
 
Prior to a colonoscopy, thorough cleansing of the bowel is necessary. A bowel cleansing preparation will be prescribed by your physician for this purpose. This is usually taken on the day prior to examination, in conjunction with a fluids only diet.
 
What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
 
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term used to describe two diseases, Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease, which cause inflammation of the bowel.
 
Ulcerative Colitis causes inflammation and ulcers of the inner lining of the large bowel (colon and rectum). Crohn’s disease causes inflammation of the full thickness of the bowel wall and may involve any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus (back passage). Inflammation causes the colon to empty frequently, resulting in diarrhoea.
 
What causes IBD?
 
Despite a great deal of research, the cause of Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease is unknown. Some scientists believe IBD may be due to a defect in the body’s immune system (its natural protection against diseases), while others believe that bacteria or even viruses might play a role.
 
IBD can start at any age but often develops between the ages of 15 and 30. It is estimated that about 61,000 Australians have IBD with approximately 33,000 having Ulcerative Colitis and 28,000 having Crohn’s disease.
 
What are the symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis?
 
The most common symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis are abdominal pain and diarrhoea containing blood or mucous. Patients may also experience nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue and rectal bleeding.