What Is a Colonoscopy?
A simple look at the procedure
A colonoscopy lets your doctor look inside your large intestine (colon). They use a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end. The doctor who does this is called a gastroenterologist — a stomach and bowel doctor.
It's quick
The procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Plan to be at the clinic for 2 to 3 hours total.
You'll be comfortable
You get sleep medicine (sedation) through an IV. You will be relaxed or asleep. Most people don't remember it at all.
It's the best test
A colonoscopy is the best way to check your colon. It can find and remove growths (polyps) in the same visit.
It saves lives
Regular screening finds problems early, when they are easiest to treat. This helps prevent colon cancer.
How it works
- 1You change into a gown and lie on your left side (this is standard — if you have a shoulder or other concern, let your care team know and they can accommodate you)
- 2A nurse starts an IV and gives you sleep medicine
- 3The doctor gently puts the camera tube into your colon
- 4The doctor looks at your colon on a video screen
- 5If growths (polyps) are found, they are removed right away — you won't feel it
- 6The tube is taken out and you go to the recovery room
Understanding the Anatomy
During a colonoscopy, the scope travels from the rectum through the entire colon to the cecum, examining every section along the way.