What is a colonoscopy?

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by Debbie Denton

Created on: April 23, 2008 Last Updated: April 29, 2008

What is a colonoscopy? It is an examination in which the lining of the colon is looked at with the help of a tube with a light and camera in it. The tube is no bigger around than a persons finger and about 18 inches long. It can help with the diagnosis of polyps, fissures, and cancers. According to the Colon Cancer Alliance one person dies of colon cancer every 9 minutes. Every year there are over 1 million people who are diagnosed with colon cancer. Many of these deaths could very easily be prevented. A colonoscopy is a very quick and easy way to possibly save your life.

Before you can have a colonoscopy you must perform a bit of preparation for the procedure. The day before your test your doctor will give you some type of colon cleansing protocol to complete. This may consist of clear liquids, taking some kind of laxatives or drinking a beverage that will cause you to have liquid stools until there is no more stool in the intestine. This step is very important because if there is stool in the intestine the doctor cannot see the walls of the intestine. If it is not completely cleaned out your test will be rescheduled. After your colon cleanse you may be allowed only clear liquids to drink or your physician may tell you not to eat or drink anything until after your test.

The next day you will have your colonoscopy. You will be given an IV so that medication can be provided to you to ensure that you do not have any discomfort during your procedure. You will be awake during your scope. You will be positioned on your left side with your knees bent and drawn up towards your chest a bit. Your doctor will usually do a rectal exam with his lubricated finger at this time to check for any hemorrhoids or any low obstacles to prevent the scope from being inserted.

The scope is then lubricated and inserted into the rectum and slowly moved thru the intestine while the doctor is looking in the camera for any abnormalities in the wall of the intestine. The doctor can remove polyps or gather biopsies if he sees anything questionable at this time. The scope can take from 15 to 30 minutes. You will be kept at the surgery center after the procedure for another hour or so until your medication wears off a bit and then you can be released to go home with someone to drive you. You should go home and rest and do not drive for the rest of the day after your procedure. You can eat normally and resume your regular medications after your test.