Making Your Colonoscopy as Safe and Seamless as Possible

A colonoscopy is a procedure to examine the inside of your large intestine (colon) and rectum with a colonoscope. A colonoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light. We use colonoscopies to look for abnormal changes in the large intestine, such as irritated tissue, tumors or polyps. Polyps are small bumps found inside your colon or rectum. These bumps are usually harmless but may turn cancerous. Your provider can also diagnose or treat colorectal diseases during your colonoscopy.

Our colorectal specialists are here to make your colonoscopy as safe and seamless as possible. We’ll provide support throughout your preparation, procedure and recovery.

Should I Have a Colonoscopy?

What Is Colonoscopy Prep?

To prepare for your colonoscopy, you will need to clear your large intestine with diet adjustments and a laxative. Your provider will give you instructions to begin several days before your procedure. If your colon isn’t clear, your provider won’t be able to see the tissue, and you may have to reschedule your appointment.

Your preparation will begin with a low-fiber diet for two or three days. On the day before your colonoscopy, you will consume only clear liquids and take a laxative formula to fully clear your bowels.

What Happens During a Colonoscopy Procedure?

On the day of your appointment, you’ll need to bring someone to drive you home. You’ll be under anesthesia to make the procedure more comfortable. It can take an entire day for the anesthesia to wear off. You’ll receive the sedatives through an IV in your arm.

Your provider will then insert the colonoscope into your colon through your anus. The colonoscope will blow carbon dioxide gas to open your large intestine. This inflation may cause slight pain or pressure at first. You won’t feel anything for the rest of the procedure and may fall asleep.

Your provider will guide the colonoscope to the end of your colon, where the small intestine begins. The camera sends magnified images of your colon to a monitor. Your provider will watch the screen for any abnormalities. If they find an issue, they may be able to treat it during the procedure. Your provider may:

• Clear blockages
• Inject medication
• Perform laser therapy to treat polyps
• Place stents (small tubes to relieve blockages)
• Remove polyps
• Seal wounds

How Long Does a Colonoscopy Take?

Your colonoscopy will last about two hours in total. It takes 15 minutes to guide the colonoscope to the end of your large intestine and another 15 minutes to bring it back out. Your provider will examine your colon both times. The procedure will take longer if they find something they need to remove or treat. It usually takes another 15 or 30 minutes to remove any polyps.

Once your colonoscopy is complete, you’ll take about 30 to 45 minutes to wake up from the anesthesia. Once awake, your provider will explain the results of your procedure and answer any questions you have.

What Happens After a Colonoscopy Procedure?

You may experience gas, bloating or nausea in the first couple hours after your procedure. If your provider removed any tissue, you may have minor rectal bleeding for a few days. You can resume normal eating right away.

Your provider will explain most of your results that day. However, if they remove any tissue, they will need to send the sample to a lab for analysis. It can take several days or weeks to receive your results.

Who Needs a Colonoscopy?

Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy for screening, diagnosis or treatment purposes. Colon cancer can appear without any symptoms, so screening is the best step toward prevention. The risk of colon cancer increases as you age. The American Cancer Society recommends a colonoscopy by age 45. You may also need a colonoscopy if you:

• Had prior colonoscopy polyps
• Had tissue removed during your last colonoscopy
• Have a family history of colon cancer
• Have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Haven’t had one for 10 or more years

You may also need a colonoscopy if you experience unusual symptoms. These symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Incontinence (inability to control the loss of stool)
• Rectal bleeding

A colonoscopy helps your doctor find what’s causing your symptoms. They can examine your colon in detail to accurately diagnose colorectal diseases.

Colonoscopies are beneficial, whether for screening, diagnosis or treatment. Our colorectal specialists will explain your results and guide you through the next steps. We’ll provide the expertise you need to feel confident about your care.