A colonoscopy is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon.
Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy to:
- Investigate intestinal signs and symptoms. A colonoscopy can help your doctor explore possible causes of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea and other intestinal problems.
- Screen for colon cancer. If you're age 50 or older and at average risk of colon cancer — you have no colon cancer risk factors other than age — your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy every 10 years or sometimes sooner to screen for colon cancer.
- Look for more polyps. If you have had polyps before, your doctor may recommend a follow-up colonoscopy to look for and remove any additional polyps. This is done to reduce your risk of colon cancer.
What to Expect
Screening
Diagnose conditions such as gastrointestinal disease, celiac disease, cancer, polyps, and more.
How to Prepare
At your office visit your physicians’ staff will provide you information regarding your preparation, advising you what medication you can take the days leading up to your procedure. You must have someone over 18 drive you to and from the procedure.
Recovery
You will spend about 2 to 4 hours at the facility you are scheduled, we advise you not to drive or make any important decisions the day of your procedure. You should be able to return to normal daily activities the day after your procedure.
Save time and and prepare ahead.
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