What is a Colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is an effective procedure to diagnose abnormalities of the large intestine and to screen for colorectal cancer and polyps.

A colonoscopy is a long, thin flexible instrument that provides magnified views of the colon and rectum. The procedure is frequently performed in an outpatient setting with minimal down time and discomfort.

How is a colonoscopy performed?

One day before or on the day of the procedure, patients must complete a bowel “prep” – a prescribed preparation consisting of liquids that will cleanse the bowels of stool and other residue. This allows for complete visualisation of the bowel surface during the procedure. The most important part of the procedure is your completion of the cleansing process.

During the colonoscopy, patients will receive intravenous sedation. One or more medications are administered to help patients remain comfortable for the duration of the procedure.

The colonoscopy is inserted via the rectum and advanced to the first portion of the colon, where it is connected to the end of the small intestine. Any polyps or other abnormalities encountered during the colonoscopy will be removed and/or biopsied and sent for further analysis.

For most patients, the entire procedure takes less than an hour.

What if colonoscopy shows an abnormality?

If your doctor sees an area of abnormality that needs more careful evaluation, a biopsy may be taken and submitted to the laboratory for detailed microscopic analysis. Polyps can be removed by using special instruments through the scope. Biopsies do not always mean cancer. Removal of polyps essentially prevents the progression of the polyp and development of colorectal cancer.

What happens after colonoscopy?

After the colonoscopy, some patients may experience slight discomfort in the form of abdominal cramping and bloating. This quickly resolves by passing any gas/air. Following a colonoscopy, patient usually resume their regular diet. Some restriction for driving and activity levels apply when intravenous sedation medications are given. These medications affect judgement and coordination for variable amounts of time following the procedure. Most patients are able to resume normal activity the morning following the colonoscopy.

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