A colonoscopy lets doctors see inside your large intestine, which includes your rectum and colon.
The camera allows doctors to view those important parts of your digestive system.
Sometimes the purpose of the procedure is to treat a condition.
For instance, doctors may perform a colonoscopy to remove polyps or an object from the colon.
A doctor who specializes in the digestive system, called a gastroenterologist, usually does the procedure.
However, other medical professionals may also be trained to perform a colonoscopy.
Colonoscopies are also used to look for or remove polyps.
Although polyps are benign, they can turn into cancer over time.
Polyps can be taken out via the colonoscope during the procedure.
Foreign objects can be removed during a colonoscopy too.
How Is a Colonoscopy Performed?
Colonoscopies are usually performed at a hospital or an outpatient center.
Before your procedure, youll receive one of the following:
The sedative medicines are typically injected intravenously.
Pain medications may sometimes also be administered.
Then your physician will insert the colonoscope into your rectum.
The colonoscope contains a tube that pumps air, carbon dioxide, or water into your colon.
That expands the area to provide a better view.
Sometimes doctors will perform a biopsy during the colonoscopy.
That involves removing tissue samples to test in the lab.
Additionally, they may take out polyps or any other abnormal growths they find.
Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to prep your bowel before your procedure.
Youll have to follow a special diet.
That usually includes consuming only clear liquids for 1 to 3 days before your colonoscopy.
Additionally, your physician will recommend a laxative, which usually comes in a liquid form.
Most people will be required to drink their liquid laxative the night before and the morning of their procedure.
The laxative will likely trigger diarrhea, so you will need to stay close to a bathroom.
Let your doctor know if you cant drink the entire amount.
Sometimeswatery diarrheacan cause skin irritation around the anus.
Plan for Transportation
Youll need to make arrangements for how to get home after your procedure.
What Are the Risks of a Colonoscopy?
Theres a small risk that the colonoscope could puncture your colon during the procedure.
Though it is rare, you might need surgery to repair your colon if it happens.
Although its uncommon, a colonoscopy can rarely result in death.
Your experience during the procedure will depend on the jot down of sedation you receive.
However, some people who have conscious sedation fall asleep during the procedure.
If you have deep sedation, youll be unaware of the procedure and shouldnt feel anything at all.
Most people just describe it as a sleeplike state.
They wake up and usually dont remember the procedure.
Some people who have a colonoscopy without any sedation report little or no discomfort during the procedure.
What Are the Complications and Side Effects of a Colonoscopy?
Bleeding and puncturing of the colon are themost commoncomplications.
Other side effects may include pain, infection, or a reaction to anesthesia.
Your doctor may discuss the findings of your procedure with you.
These results might take a few days (or longer) to get back.
When its time to leave, a family member or friend should drive you home.
You might not have a bowel movement for a few days after your procedure.
That is because your colon is empty.
You should avoid driving, drinking alcohol, and operating machinery for 24 hours after your procedure.
Most doctors recommend that you wait until the next day to resume normal activities.
Your provider will tell you when its safe to begin taking blood thinners or other medications again.
Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, you should be able to immediately return to your normal diet.
You may be told to drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated.
Common Questions & Answers
Ira Daniel Breite, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist.
Working in city hospitals helped him become resourceful and taught him how to interact with people from different backgrounds.
Her goal is to compose helpful articles that readers can easily understand and use to improve their well-being.
She is passionate about healthy living and delivering important medical information through her writing.
Prior to her freelance career, Marks was a supervising producer of medical programming for Ivanhoe Broadcast News.
She is a Telly award winner and Freddie award finalist.
