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A colonoscopy is an exam of the large intestine, also known as the colon. The exam is done with a tool called a colonoscope. The colonoscope is a flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end. This tool allows the doctor to view the inside of your colon.
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A colonoscopy is used to examine, diagnose, and treat problems in your colon. The procedure is most often done to:
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a colonoscopy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.
Your doctor will likely do the following:
Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure.
On the day of the procedure:
Your colon must be completely clean before the procedure. Any stool left in the colon will block the view. This preparation may start several days before the procedure. Follow your doctor's instructions, which may include any of the following cleansing methods:
For the entire day before your procedure:
Your doctor may give you medication to help you relax. You'll probably feel sleepy.
You will lie on your left side. Your knees will be drawn up toward your chest. The colonoscope will be slowly inserted through the rectum. The colonoscope will inject air into the colon. The doctor will be able to see the lining of the colon with a small video camera on the colonoscope. The colonoscope will be gently passed through the colon to view the entire area.
A tissue sample or polyps may be removed during the procedure. This is done with small tools passed through the colonoscope.
Less than one hour
Most people report some discomfort when the instrument is inserted. You may also feel some cramping or lower abdominal pain during the procedure. Medication will help decrease discomfort, some will sleep through the procedure.
After the procedure, gas pains and cramping are common. These pains should go away with the passing of gas.
If any tissue was removed:
It is important to monitor your recovery. Alert your doctor to any problems. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
http://www.asge.org
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
http://www.niddk.nih.gov
American Gastroenterological Association
http://www.gastro.org
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
https://www.asge.org
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
https://www.cag-acg.org
Canadian Digestive Health Foundation
http://www.cdhf.ca
Colonoscopy. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114112/Colonoscopy. Updated March 21, 2017. Accessed October 3, 2017.
Colonoscopy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/colonoscopy. Updated July 2017. Accessed October 3, 2017.
Frequently asked questions about colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/understanding-your-diagnosis/tests/faq-colonoscopy-and-sigmoidoscopy.html. Updated February 2, 2016. Accessed October 3, 2017.
6/2/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillancehttp://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T905141/Treatment-for-tobacco-use: Mills E, Eyawo O, Lockhart I, Kelly S, Wu P, Ebbert JO. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2011;124(2):144-154.
Last reviewed September 2017 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Daus Mahnke, MD Last Updated: 8/9/2017