A colonoscopy is a routine test done to check for cancer, polyps and other conditions. You need to eat a liquid diet the day before your procedure and take laxatives (pills, powder that dissolves in liquid or an enema).

You’ll be given medicine through an IV line to help you relax during the test. This is called minimal or light sedation. Learn More by reading the article below.
A colonoscopy is an exam that lets doctors see inside your colon or rectum. It is usually done to find out what is causing your symptoms or to check for colorectal cancer. The test is also used to remove polyps, which are often the first sign of colon cancer. Doctors can also take tissue samples (biopsies) during a colonoscopy. The test can be done in a hospital or outpatient surgery center. You will be given medicine (sedatives or anesthesia) through a tube in your arm or hand before the procedure starts. Your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing will be watched during the procedure. Most people who have a colonoscopy do not remember the procedure afterward.
Before the procedure begins you will lie on an exam table, usually with your knees drawn toward your chest. The doctor will put a thin tube called a colonoscope into your back passage (rectum). This is long and flexible enough to go around the curves of your bowel. They may pump air into your bowel to help them see the lining of your colon better. You may feel some cramping or pain in your tummy during this part of the test. It is caused by the carbon dioxide or air that was put into your bowel and will go away shortly after the procedure is finished.
During the test, the doctor will look for signs of trouble such as polyps or blood in your stool. The doctor will also use a tool (wire loop) at the end of the colonoscope to remove any growths they find. They will send the polyps to a lab to be tested for cancer. The doctor can also spray a dye onto the lining of your intestine to highlight any areas that have extra tissue. The lining of the colon is often damaged by inflammation from Crohn’s disease or other bowel conditions, and this can be seen during a colonoscopy.
Doctors can also use a colonoscopy to treat bowel problems such as irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulitis. The results of a colonoscopy can help doctors work out what stage of bowel cancer you have and what treatment is best for you.
Preparation for a colonoscopy
If a person has a screening colonoscopy, their doctor will give them instructions to follow for the days leading up to the procedure. This may include changing the diet and taking laxatives in pill or liquid form. This is done to clean out the bowels so the doctor can see clearly during the test. People are also likely to need to do an enema the night before or on the morning of the procedure.
On the day of the procedure, the person will be asked to arrive at a hospital or medical clinic and change into a hospital gown. They will be given painkillers and a medicine to make them sleepy (sedative). Then the doctor will insert a thin flexible tube with a camera at the end (colonoscope) into their anus. This will be moved up into their rectum and then colon. The doctor will probably inflate their colon with air for a clearer view. They will use the tube to check for polyps, tumors and any other abnormalities.
A biopsy may be taken of any tissue found. If the biopsy shows cancer, the doctor may decide to remove a small piece of the colon. The doctor may also take a sample of their stool or fluid for further testing.
The procedure is usually quite safe and quick. But there is a risk of complications such as stomach cramps, gas pains and bloating. There is also a chance that the doctor will miss something or cause bleeding during the procedure. Bleeding usually occurs where a polyp is removed or a biopsy is taken.
After the test, the person will need to stay in the hospital for a few hours while they recover from the sedation. This is because it is unsafe for them to drive or work at that time. They will need to arrange for someone to drive them home or stay with them until the sedation wears off. It is important to do this because people can feel very drowsy and may not remember the test. They will also be too drowsy to sign any legal documents or drive a car after the procedure.
During a colonoscopy
During the colonoscopy, you will lie on an exam table and wear a hospital gown. A nurse will put an intravenous (IV) line in your arm to administer sedation and fluids during the procedure.
A gastroenterologist or anesthesia specialist will talk with you before the procedure and answer any questions you have. You will also be asked to sign a consent form prior to the test.
Your doctor will insert a long, thin tube called a colonoscope into your anus and move it down your rectum and large intestine. It has a camera on the end to allow your doctor to see inside your colon, as well as a light for illumination. The camera sends images to a monitor, which your doctor will watch while doing the procedure. The doctor will remove any polyps that are found, as well as take samples of any abnormal tissue for further testing.
You may feel pressure, bloating or cramping during the procedure, but it is very safe and usually not painful. You will be given pain relievers and a sedative to minimize discomfort.
When the procedure is done, you will be taken to a recovery room where you can rest comfortably until the sedation or anesthesia wears off. You will need someone to drive you home, as the effects of sedation or anesthesia can impair your ability to safely operate a vehicle.
While you are in the recovery room, your physician will explain how the procedure went and give you instructions for when it is safe to go home. You may experience a bit of gas and bloating due to the air introduced into your colon during the procedure, but these symptoms should disappear quickly as you pass gas.
After the colonoscopy, your doctor will let you know the results of any biopsies or polyps removed during the procedure. You should discuss the results with your gastroenterologist at a follow-up appointment in a few weeks. It is common to have some bleeding if polyps were removed, but this should stop within a few days. If you experience heavy or persistent bleeding, contact your doctor immediately.
Post-colonoscopy care
The recovery period following a colonoscopy is just as important as the procedure itself. In order to ensure that you get the best results from your procedure and to avoid complications it is important to follow the guidelines provided by your doctor.
As soon as your procedure is complete you will be wheeled into a recovery room or cubicle where the nurses will monitor you until the sedative wears off. At this time you will be able to leave the hospital once the nurse who is looking after you has confirmed that you are well enough. It is a good idea to have someone escort you home as the sedatives can have lingering effects that may affect your judgement and reaction times.
Once you are at home you should try to take it easy and rest. You should also try to avoid strenuous activities as these can strain your body and increase the risk of side effects. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or electrolyte drinks, avoiding any caffeine or alcohol as these can make you dehydrated.
It is also a good idea to slowly reintroduce solid foods into your diet. At this point you should be eating bland food such as crackers, applesauce or broth and avoiding any fatty or rich foods. You should also try to take walks as this can help pass gas and reduce bloating. You may also want to use over-the-counter pain relievers as needed if you experience any discomfort.
While some cramping and bloating is normal it is vital to report any unusual symptoms to your doctor immediately. Unusual symptoms like severe pain, fever or blood in your stool could indicate a serious problem and should be treated as such.
It is also important to attend any follow-up appointments with your doctor as they will be able to provide you with the details of any polyps that were removed or any other findings from your test. The appointment will also give you the chance to discuss any concerns you have about your progress and how you are feeling in general.


