by A Howell

Created on: April 23, 2008   Last Updated: April 23, 2012

A colonoscopy is a test allowing the doctor to see the inner lining of the large intestine. They are done for precancerous or cancerous screenings or to collect tissue samples for a biopsy. They can also be used to remove abnormal growths.

They use a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope that ranges from 48 in. to 72 in. long. At the end of the colonoscope a small camera is attached to view the large colon and the lower part of the small colon. The doctor will take pictures and/or videos of these areas with the small camera.

Doctors conduct this test to find problems or diseases in the anus, rectum, or colon. If there are problems with bleeding from the rectum, ongoing diarrhea or constipation, blood or pus in the stool, or ongoing lower abdominal pain the doctor may recommend a colonoscopy.

Upon having a colonoscopy you will need to clean out your colon. The doctor will recommend and prescribe certain drinks or medications you will need to take before the test. It would be recommended that you should take a couple days off before hand. A day or two before the test you will stop eating solid foods and only drink clear liquids. Your doctor will specify what you are allowed to drink or eat such as water, Gatorade, chicken broth, jell-o or Popsicles.

The day before the exam your doctor will have prescribed you laxative tablets or drink such as Nulytely or Golytely. You will be using the bathroom often but this allows the colon area to be cleaned out. This is done to be able to exam the area. So you do not get dehydrated keep drinking the clear liquids up until 6 to 8 hours before the exam. In order to fully clean out the colon the doctor may have you do an enema 30 to 60 minutes before the exam.

The colonoscopy may be done in a hospital or doctors office. You will be given pain medication and a sedative to help you relax; you may become sleepy and not even remember the exam. They will have you lye on your left side with your knees pulled up to your stomach. First, the doctor will place a gloved finger up the anus to check for blockage. Then he will proceed with the colonoscope. Slowly he will move it threw the anus and up to the colon. If you do feel some cramping breathe deeply threw you mouth and relax your stomach muscles. The scope will be used to observe the whole length of the colon. After the doctor is finished he will remove the scope slowly and clean the area.

After the test you will be monitored for 1 to 2 hours. After are fully awake they will release you. They urge to drink plenty of liquids to replace what you lost during the procedure. Your doctor will inform you when you can go back to your normal eating and exercise habits. Results from your test can take anywhere from 2 to 4 days, or even a couple weeks depending what they are looking for.

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