Colonoscopy in a Nutshell

Colonoscopy

• Examination of the large intestine and occasionally part of the small bowel using a camera on a flexible tube.
• Procedure provides a visual diagnosis for:
  • Polyps
  • Cancer
  • Diverticulosis
  • Other health concerns
  • Allows for the biopsy or removal of suspicious lesions.

People 45-50 years of age or older should undergo a baseline colonoscopy to screen for polyps or colon cancer in the large intestine. 

Potential medical conditions indicating the need for a colonoscopy includes:

• Abdominal pain
• Change in bowel habits
• Bleeding
• Anemia
• Chronic diarrhea or diverticular disease.

Your doctor will discuss whether the procedure is right for you.

Preparing for Your Procedure

Avoid any medication containing aspirin or NSAIDs for 5 days before the procedure unless instructed by your doctor. 

Two days prior to your procedure, we will ask you to follow a low fiber or clear-liquid only diet.
Foods and drinks that are okay to ingest:

• Apple juice
• Lemon-lime soda
• Sports drink
• Water
• Black coffee (NO Cream)

Foods to avoid:

• Orange juice
• Milk
• Soda
• Alcohol
• Any liquid that is RED colored

Starting at around 1:00 PM the day before your procedure, drink one cup of Trilyte or prescribed solution every 15-30 minutes.

Do not eat, drink, or take medication after midnight the night before the procedure unless otherwise instructed

• If your procedure is in the afternoon, nothing by mouth (NPO) for 8 hours

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During your procedure

You will be sedated throughout your procedure to minimize discomfort and ensure a successful procedure. The scope is a lighted, flexible tube that allows the doctor to examine the colon for polyps and other abnormalities. Biopsies may be taken for further analysis, if necessary. 

The Examination

• Will take approximately 45 minutes
• Suspicious lesions can be biopsied, cauterized, or removed completely.
• Medication may be administered during the procedure to control bleeding and speed healing.

Possible complications, though generally extremely rare, will be addressed at your first visit.

After your procedure

• You will be transferred to a recovery room following your procedure to allow the sedative to wear off
• You may experience some discomfort for 24 hours following your procedure
• You should eat lightly throughout the remainder of the day
• You will not be able to drive after your colonoscopy because you will be sedated
• You must arrange for a responsible adult driver to accompany you to and from the endoscopy unit

If polyps are removed, you will be instructed to avoid strenuous physical activities and any blood thinning medication (such as Aspirin, Plavix, Coumadin) for 7-10 days. 

Based on the results of your initial screening, a rescreening every 5-10 years or sooner is common if medically indicated.