What is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a simple outpatient exam that helps uncover any potential digestive issues, such as Colitis, Diverticulosis and colon cancer.A colonoscopy visually examines your entire colon using a long flexible tube with a small camera at the end. During the procedure, a video monitor in the exam room shows the images captured on camera. The physician watches the monitor and may also remove tissue samples (biopsies) or polyps for further tests.
What to Expect
To allow for a thorough exam, your lower colon should be clean. This means you may only drink clear liquids, along with taking laxatives or an enema the day before the procedure.
Bloating and bowel distension are common and should only last about 30 to 60 minutes after the procedure. If your physician removes biopsies or polyps during the exam, you may experience some spotting of blood afterward. However, this is rarely serious. You should not drive or operate machinery for the remainder of the exam day.
Your physician will be able to provide you with additional information before your exam day.