Colonoscopy is an extremely safe and effective procedure for viewing the full lining of the colon and rectum. The colonoscope is a long, thin, flexible instrument with a camera at the tip for viewing. It is introduced through the rectum and advanced until it reaches the beginning of the colon (about 4 feet). Images from the colonoscope appear on a video monitor with a high degree of detail and magnification providing excellent visualization of the entire colon.

How is colonoscopy performed?
Colonoscopy is performed under “conscious sedation”. This means the patient is given medicine through an IV so they are not awake, not aware, not in pain, and have no memory of the experience. Over 99% of patients relate a positive experience with the procedure. Typically, the exam will take less than 20 minutes, and patients are home usually within 1-2 hours. Patients may experience bloating and/or diarrhea for 1-2 days after the procedure.

On the day prior to the colonoscopy the colon needs to be prepared for the procedure. Patients may consume liquids all day. A special bowel prep is given to clean out stool from the colon. The day after colonoscopy patients can resume normal eating, medicines, and activities without any restrictions.

Should I have a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is the most effective modality in colon cancer prevention.
Colonoscopy will often be recommended for patients in the following situations:

1. Colon cancer screening test for both men and women over 50 years old with no symptoms or family history. Colonoscopy is often needed in patients younger than 50 for a family history of colon cancer or the symptoms described below.
2. To evaluate patients with blood in stool, dark stools, or occult blood
3. To evaluate patients with any significant change in bowel function (constipation, diarrhea, or change in consistency, size, and/or color of stool)
4. To evaluate abdominal pain or weight loss.
5. To follow up on patients with a history of colon polyps or cancer
6. To follow up on patients with a history of inflammatory bowel disease

Why colonoscopy and not other colon testing methods?
Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colon testing. Other options include barium enema, sigmoidoscopy, virtual colonography and stool testing. The advantages of colonoscopy over the other modalities include:

1. A much better total visualization of the colon with a higher level of detail than other methods.
2. The ability to treat problems at the same time (i.e., biopsy, polyp removal, treatment of bleeding site). A finding on any other test would then require a colonoscopy for treatment.
3. The procedure is performed under conscious sedation for maximum patient comfort