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May 23, 2023 · With a colonoscopy, your doctor can see inside your entire colon and rectum. They will use a flexible, hollow, lighted tube about the thickness of a pen called a colonoscope. It has a tiny video...
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- Reference
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- Advanced Colorectal Cancer
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- Colonoscopy Risks
- Overview
- Why It's Done
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A colonoscopy (koe-lun-OS-kuh-pee) is an exam used to look for changes — such as swollen, irritated tissues, polyps or cancer — in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the entir...
Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy to: 1. Investigate intestinal signs and symptoms.A colonoscopy can help your doctor explore possible causes of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhea and other intestinal problems. 2. Screen for colon cancer.If you're age 45 or older and at average risk of colon cancer — you have no colon cancer ri...
A colonoscopy poses few risks. Rarely, complications of a colonoscopy may include: 1. A reaction to the sedative used during the exam 2. Bleeding from the site where a tissue sample (biopsy) was taken or a polyp or other abnormal tissue was removed 3. A tear in the colon or rectum wall (perforation) After discussing the risks of colonoscopy with yo...
Before a colonoscopy, you'll need to clean out (empty) your colon. Any residue in your colon may make it difficult to get a good view of your colon and rectum during the exam. To empty your colon, your doctor may ask you to: 1. Follow a special diet the day before the exam.Typically, you won't be able to eat solid food the day before the exam. Drin...
During the procedure
During a colonoscopy, you'll wear a gown, but likely nothing else. Sedation or anesthesia is usually recommended. In most cases, the sedative is combined with pain medication given directly into your blood stream (intravenously) to lessen any discomfort. You'll begin the exam lying on your side on the exam table, usually with your knees drawn toward your chest. The doctor will insert a colonoscope into your rectum. The scope — which is long enough to reach the entire length of your colon — co...
After the procedure
After the exam, it takes about an hour to begin to recover from the sedative. You'll need someone to take you home because it can take up to a day for the full effects of the sedative to wear off. Don't drive or make important decisions or go back to work for the rest of the day. You may feel bloated or pass gas for a few hours after the exam, as you clear the air from your colon. Walking may help relieve any discomfort. You may also notice a small amount of blood with your first bowel moveme...
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Apr 29, 2022 · find a reason for unexplained weight loss, chronic constipation, or diarrhea. The American College of Surgeons estimates that 90 percent of polyps or tumors can be detected through...
- Brian Krans
Jul 22, 2020 · A colonoscopy is an important procedure for detecting colorectal cancer in those at high risk or over the age of 50. A colonoscopy usually takes 30–60 minutes. However, people should allocate...
- Jayne Leonard
Mar 8, 2023 · March 08, 2023. Medically Reviewed | Last reviewed by an MD Anderson Cancer Center medical professional on March 08, 2023. You’ve probably heard that a colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening and prevention. But you may still have questions. What is a colonoscopy? How’s it done? What can I expect?
You may be due for a colonoscopy for cancer screening if you: Are older than 45 and haven’t had one. Haven’t had one for 10 years. Had tissue removed during your last colonoscopy. Have a family history of colorectal cancer. Have an inherited disease that raises your risk, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome.
Cancer Screening. Colonoscopy is also used to screen for colon cancer and rectal cancer. Screening involves looking for cancer in individuals who do not have any symptoms of the disease. Colonoscopy can also be used to check the colon after cancer treatment. Checking and Treating Problems.
