COLONOSCOPY

A colonoscopy is an examination of the anus, rectum, and colon. A long narrow flexible tube with a light and camera on the end called a Colonoscope is used in this procedure. A colon cleansing prep and clear liquid diet is required the day prior to the procedure. A colonoscope is inserted through the anus and gently advanced through the entire large intestine.

Air is used to inflate the bowel so the physician can visualize the bowel walls. Polyps, inflammation, cancer or other abnormalities may be detected. Tissue samples or polyps may be removed by using forceps or wire loop that is passed through the colonoscope.

You are given a sedative through an IV catheter and the procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. After the procedure you are taken into the recovery room until you are ready to be discharged. There may be some residual air left in the colon that will need to be expelled.

Patients must have a responsible adult to drive them home after the procedure. Any tissue or polyps obtained are sent to the lab for evaluation by a pathologist. Your doctor or nurse will usually contact you within 10-14 days with the results. A follow up colonoscopy will usually be determined by the pathology results.