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A colonoscopy is a potentially lifesaving diagnostic procedure that gives our doctors the opportunity to examine our patients’ colons and identify both pre-cancerous and cancerous tissues in their earliest stages. Our doctors can also detect non-cancerous tumors, ulcer and other abnormal tissues, all using minimally invasive endoscopic methods, Patients who undergo routine colonoscopies are being admirably proactive in terms of preserving their health. Colon cancer is one of the more aggressive cancers. However, it is survivable if it is caught and treated in its earliest stages.

While it is important that patient’s undergo a colonoscopy at least every five years one they reach the age of 50, and earlier than that if they are at risk for colon cancer, it is also important that they know what a colonoscopy appointment involves. There is a preparation that must go into a colonoscopy appointment. Patients must adopt a special diet in the days leading up to the procedure. For further information about a colonoscopy and the preparation process, please schedule your initial consultation with our of our gastroenterologists.

Your doctor will tell you what dietary restrictions to follow and what cleansing routine to use. In general, the preparation consists of either consuming a large volume of a special cleansing solution or clear liquids and special oral laxatives. The colon must be completely clean for the procedure to be accurate and complete, so be sure to follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Most medications can be continued as usual, but some medications can interfere with the preparation or the examination. Inform your doctor about all the medications you're taking, particularly aspirin products, arthritis medications, anticoagulants (blood thinners), insulin or iron products. Also, be sure to mention allergies you have to medications. Alert your doctor if you require antibiotics prior to dental procedures, because you might need antibiotics before a colonoscopy as well.

Colonoscopies are generally well-tolerated by patients and rarely cause much pain. You might feel pressure, bloating or cramping during the procedure. Your doctor might give you a sedative to help you relax and better tolerate any discomfort.

You will lie on your side or back while your doctor slowly advances a colonoscope through your large intestine to examine the lining. Your doctor will examine the lining again as he or she slowly withdraws the colonoscope. The procedure itself usually takes 15 to 60 minutes, although you should plan on two to three hours for waiting, preparation and recovery.

In some cases, the doctor cannot pass the colonoscope through the entire colon to where it meets the small intestine. Although another examination might be needed, your doctor might decide the limited examination is sufficient.

If your doctor thinks an area needs further evaluation, he might pass an instrument through the colonoscope to obtain a biopsy (a sample of the colon lining) to be analyzed. Biopsies are used to identify many conditions, and your doctor might order one even if he or she doesn't suspect cancer. If a colonoscopy is being performed to identify sites of bleeding, your doctor might control the bleeding through the colonoscope by injecting medications or by coagulation (sealing off bleeding vessels with heat treatment). Your doctor might also find polyps during colonoscopy, and he or she will most likely remove them during the examination. These procedures don't usually cause any pain.

Polyps are abnormal growths in the colon lining that are usually benign (noncancerous). They vary in size from a tiny dot to several inches. Your doctor can't always tell a benign polyp from a malignant (cancerous) polyp by its outer appearance, so he might send removed polyps to a laboratory for analysis. Because cancer begins in polyps, removing them is an important means of preventing colorectal cancer.

Your doctor might destroy tiny polyps by fulguration (burning), by removing them with wire loops called snares, or with biopsy instruments. Your doctor might use a technique called a "snare polypectomy" to remove larger polyps. That technique involves passing a wire loop through the colonoscope and removing the polyp from the intestinal wall using an electrical current. You should feel no pain during the polypectomy.

Your physician will explain the results of the examination to you, although it is likely you will have to wait for the results of any biopsies performed.

If you have been given sedatives during the procedure, someone must drive you home and stay with you. Even if you feel alert after the procedure, your judgment and reflexes could be impaired for the rest of the day. You might have some cramping or bloating because of the air introduced into the colon during the examination. This should disappear quickly when you pass gas.

You should be able to eat after the examination, but your doctor might restrict your diet and activities, especially after a polypectomy.

Colonoscopies and polypectomies are generally safe when performed by doctors who have been specially trained and are experienced in these procedures.

One possible complication is a perforation, or tear, through the bowel wall that could require surgery. Bleeding might occur at the site of biopsy or polypectomy, but is usually minor. Bleeding can stop on its own or be controlled through the colonoscope, and rarely requires follow-up treatment. Some patients might have a reaction to the sedatives or complications from heart or lung disease.

Although complications after a colonoscopy are uncommon, it is important to recognize early signs of possible complications. Contact your doctor if you notice severe abdominal pain, fever and chills, or rectal bleeding of more than one-half cup. Please note that bleeding can occur for several days after the procedure.