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Colonoscopy


Why is this procedure done?


Colonoscopy lets your doctor see the inside lining of the colon and rectum. It uses a special tool which has a tiny camera. This tool can be moved through the entire bowel. This may be done to: ‚  
  • Screen for colon cancer or polyps
  • Check your colon if you have had cancer or polyps before
  • Look for the source of rectal bleeding
  • Find the cause of changes in your bowel movement
  • Find the cause of belly or rectal pain
  • Confirm results from other tests
  • Check your response to treatment for other diseases
  • Evaluate disease activity


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What happens before the procedure?


  • Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor may order tests for your stool. Talk to the doctor about
    • All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
    • Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
  • The colon needs to be cleaned out before this test. Your doctor will tell you to take drugs that will cause watery loose stools. These may be liquids, pills, or both.
  • You will be placed on a clear liquid diet the day before the exam. Do not drink alcohol.
  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight or after the time your doctor tells you.
  • You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home and stay with you.

What happens during the procedure?


  • Your doctor will give you drugs through a vein to help you relax. You will lie on your side with your knees bent and drawn up toward your chest.
  • The doctor will use a small thin tube with a light and a camera on it. This is will be put gently into your anus. The doctor will move it through your rectum and into the bowel.
  • Small amounts of air are put into your colon. The camera lets your doctor look at the lining of your colon.
  • Your doctor may take small tissue samples. Small growths such as polyps may also be removed during the procedure.
  • The tube is then taken out of your bowel.
  • The procedure may take 30 to 45 minutes.

What happens after the procedure?


  • You will go to a recovery area and the staff will watch you closely.
  • You can go home after your procedure and should rest.
  • You may feel groggy.
  • You should be able to eat normally.
  • You may have gas or mild cramping. This is normal.
  • A small amount of bleeding may happen during the first few days after your procedure.
  • Ask your doctor when you can resume your drugs.
  • If tissue was removed, it will be sent to a lab to be checked. Your doctor will tell you the results after a week or two.

What problems could happen?


  • Tear inside your colon
  • Bleeding can happen for a few days afterwards

Where can I learn more?


American Gastroenterological Association ‚  
http://www.gastro.org/patient-center/procedures/AGAPatientBrochure_Colonoscopy.pdf ‚  
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy ‚  
http://www.asge.org/patients/patients.aspx?id=382 ‚  
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚  
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/colonoscopy/ ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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