A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure in which the inside of the large intestine colon and rectum is examined. A colonoscope is a thin, flexible tube that is moved through your colon. The procedure is viewed on a video screen. If necessary during a colonoscopy, small amounts of tissue can be removed for analysis a biopsy and polyps can be identified and entirely removed.
A colonoscopy is commonly used to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms, such as rectal and intestinal bleeding, anemia, diarrhea or changes in bowel habits. Colonoscopies are also performed in individuals without symptoms to check for colorectal polyps or cancer.
A screening colonoscopy is recommended for anyone 45 years of age and older, and for anyone with parents, siblings or children with a history of colorectal cancer. To have a successful colonoscopy, your bowel must be empty so that your doctor can clearly view the colon. It is very important that you read and follow all of the instructions given to you for your bowel preparation well in advance of the procedure. If your bowel is not empty, your colonoscopy will not be successful and may have to be repeated.
Please refer to How to Prep Procedures at our website for information. If you have any questions regarding your preparation, you can use our Secure Messaging Portal or should contact our office staff. A nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist will give you medication through a vein to make you relaxed and sleepy.
The procedure usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Recovery time is approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour. You must have a responsible person accompany you and drive you home after your procedure. You may not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours following the test. An EGD upper Endoscopy is an outpatient procedure in which the upper intestinal tract is examined using a flexible endoscope.
