Colonoscopy
A visual examination of the entire large intestine to screen for colon cancer and other conditions.
A colonoscopy is a visual examination of the entire large intestine, also known as the colon. This exam is used to explore possible causes of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea and other intestinal problems. A colonoscopy is also used as a method of screening for colon cancer.
A gastroenterologist (GI) uses a lighted, flexible tube called a colonoscope that has a small video camera attached to the tip, allowing the GI doctor to view the inside of the entire colon. GI doctors can also sample tissue and/or remove polyps in the colon during a colonoscopy.
Men and women who are at average risk for colon cancer are advised to schedule regular colonoscopies starting at age 50 (age 45 for African Americans), and continue to get a colonoscopy at 10-year intervals thereafter. Patients who have a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may be advised to be screened earlier or at increased frequency.
Preparing for a Colonoscopy
Thorough cleansing of the entire bowel is essential for effective results. Instructions for doing this will be given by your physician, but this can include a combination of the following: restriction from eating solid foods a day or two before the test and taking pill-form and/or liquid laxatives.
You will not be able to eat or drink the day of the procedure. You need to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward because lingering effects of the sedation will make it unsafe for you to drive until the next day.
What Happens During a Colonoscopy?
Typically intravenous (IV) sedation is used during a colonoscopy. You will be asked to lie on your side. Once sedation takes effect, the colonoscope is inserted through the rectum and moved gently around the bends of the colon. The physician can see the lining of the colon on a television screen and looks all the way to the end of the large intestine and back for anything unusual. The scoping process typically takes 30 minutes.
What Happens After a Colonoscopy?
Depending on the type of sedation used, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to recover. You will need someone to drive you home because it can take up to a day for the full effects of the sedative to wear off. You should be able to resume normal activity the next day.
Your doctor will talk to you when you are awake and go over the results with you. If a biopsy was taken, your doctor will do a follow-up to let you know the results. If no polyps were found, your next colonoscopy will need to be in 10 years, or sooner depending on your family history and other factors.
Test Findings
Possible findings include diverticulosis and polyps. If polyps (growths of tissue) are found, they will be removed during the colonoscopy and sent to a pathologist. While the overwhelming majority of polyps are benign, your physician will have it tested and contact you to confirm the results.