The Colonoscopy ProcedureOn the day of your colonoscopy, arrive at the hospital or your healthcare provider’s office wearing comfortableclothing.Have someone come with you to drive you home.Before the procedure, you may have to take off any jewelry, and you will put on a hospital gown.Your healthcare provider will ask you to sign an informed consent form before the procedure. Signing it meansthat you understand the procedure and any risks involved.You may be given fluids through an IV needle in your arm.Your blood pressure and pulse will be checked and monitored throughout the procedure.You may be given extra oxygen throughout the examination.Medicine is given to you through the IV needle in your arm. The medicine will make you sleepy and relaxed.As you become sleepy, you will be asked to move to your left side.A rectal examination is performed to look for problems with the anus or rectum.Your healthcare provider will use a thin tube called a “colonoscope” to see inside your colon.The colonoscope is lubricated and the tip of the scope is gently inserted into the rectum. Air is pumped in toinflate the colon.This keeps the colon open giving your healthcare provider a clear view while the tube is carefully guidedthrough the bowel.The colonoscope has a tiny camera and light on one end that sends pictures back to a video screen to showthe lining of the colon in detail.Your healthcare provider will look at the lining of your colon thoroughly as the scope travels to the beginning ofyour large intestine.The beginning of the large intestine is called the cecum. After the cecum is reached and examined, the scopeis slowly removed and the bowel is carefully inspected.This is a video taken during a colonoscopy. As you can see, your healthcare provider will have a clear view ofthe inside lining of your colon.If your healthcare provider sees any abnormalities in your colon, they can thread tools down through the scopeto take tissue samples or even remove polyps so they never have a chance to develop into cancer.If a polyp is found, your healthcare provider may perform a painless procedure called a polypectomy. They canremove it completely with metal forceps or a thin, wire snare. The snare is placed around the base of the polyp and tightened until the polyp is cut off.If bleeding occurs, they have tools available, including clips, to stop the bleeding.Or a mild electrical current is used to stop any bleeding.Polypectomies are often performed during colonoscopies.Any tissue that is removed is then sent to a lab where the tissue sample is examined using a microscope.A colonoscopy is safe, but every medical procedure does involve some risk. Some of the risks include:perforation or tearing of the colon lining, bleeding from removal of a polyp, infection, missed polyps, or you mayhave a reaction to the sedative medicine.Make sure you tell your healthcare provider about any allergies you have, especially ones to medicine.Many people and healthcare providers feel the benefits of a colonoscopy far outweigh the risks.Your colonoscopy should take between 15 and 45 minutes to complete.Once the procedure is finished, you’ll be moved to a recovery room where you’ll wake up.Your blood pressure and pulse will be checked, and you’ll receive further instructions from your healthcareteam.
Learn general guidelines for properly preparing for your colonoscopy on the days leading up to the procedure. This will allow your doctor to see the lining of the colon clearly and will help make your colonoscopy go as smoothly as possible.
Preparation for Colorectal Cancer Screening Procedures
Learn common preparation instructions you may be asked to follow prior to your colorectal screening procedure, and recognize the importance of following them.
Understand how to properly prepare for your upper GI endoscopy and what you can expect the day of your procedure. Learn what your doctor can do if any abnormalities are noticed.
Schedule a Colon Cancer Screening
A screening is the best way to catch colorectal cancer early, when treatments is more successful.
