What Is a Colonoscopy?
A simple look at the procedure
A colonoscopy is a procedure where a gastroenterologist (a doctor who specializes in the digestive system) uses a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera to look at the lining of your large intestine (colon) and rectum.
It's quick
The procedure itself usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. With preparation and recovery time, plan to be at the clinic for 2 to 3 hours total.
You'll be comfortable
You'll receive sedation through an IV so you'll be relaxed or asleep during the procedure. Most people don't remember it at all.
It's the gold standard
Colonoscopy is the most thorough way to examine the colon. It's the only screening test that can both find and remove polyps in the same session.
It saves lives
Regular colonoscopy screening has been shown to reduce colorectal cancer deaths by detecting problems early, when they're most treatable.
How it works
- 1You change into a gown and lie on your side
- 2An IV is started and sedation medication is given
- 3The colonoscope is gently inserted and advanced through the colon
- 4The doctor examines the colon lining on a video screen
- 5If polyps are found, they can be removed right away (painlessly)
- 6The scope is withdrawn and you're taken to recovery