Colonoscopy Malfunction

[Mara1117]

I'm 75 yrs. old.  Had a colonoscopy in 2006.  'Impression was diverticula of colon' '
.However, in part, the report said,"due to malfunction of the scope, photos of the cecum were not obtained."  I am now worried that because of the scope malfunction, could nothing be seen on the monitor and the test should have been done again?

[meyan]

Is there a reason your worried? It's been 3 years aren't you supposed to get it done every 4 or 5 years? Have you told your doctor your concern? Sounds like it could not have been explained to you very clearly? That's not fair. You deserve to know.

[kirrali]

When you have a colonoscopy some doctors will take photos of the caecum to prove that they have reached it. The fact that their equipment was unable to take photos would not neccessarily have meant that they were not able to get an adequate visual on their monitor which should still have given them a 'live' viewing. If they had detected any polyps or tumors or, if they didn't get a satisfactory view then they would have called you in sooner for regular screening and follow up Colonoscopy. So don't be too concerned.

[Mara1117]

Actually, if there's no problem, then the doc says every 10 years.  I did ask him about that 'no photos' thing, (he's now retired) and he just said that it was no problem.  Pessimist that I am, I just reread the report (I keep copies of all reports) and got worried, since I'm having some problems in that area again.
My new gastro doc is going to do a sigmoidoscopy this month.  Thanks for your reply.

[Mara1117]

Your reply did calm me down...and lo and behold; when I asked my new gastro doc about this, he said exactly what you said.  
Thank u, thank u.