Colonoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to look at the inner
lining of your
large intestine (rectum and colon). He or she uses a thin, flexible tube
called a colonoscope to look at the colon. A colonoscopy helps find
colon polyps, tumors, and areas of inflammation or
bleeding. During a colonoscopy, tissue samples can be collected (biopsy) and abnormal growths can be taken out.
Colonoscopy can also be used as a screening test to check for cancer or
precancerous growths in the colon or rectum (polyps).
colonoscope is a thin, flexible tube that ranges from
48 in. (122 cm) to
72 in. (183 cm) long. A small
video camera is attached to the colonoscope so that your doctor can take
pictures or video of the large intestine (colon). The colonoscope can be used
to look at the whole colon and the lower part of the small intestine. A test
sigmoidoscopy shows only the
rectum and the lower part of the colon.
Before this test, you will need to clean out your colon (colon prep).
Colon prep takes 1 to 2 days, depending on which type of prep your doctor
recommends. Some preps may be taken the evening before the test. For many
people, the prep for a colonoscopy is more trying than the actual test. Plan to
stay home during your prep time since you will need to use the bathroom often.
The colon prep causes loose, frequent stools and diarrhea so that your colon
will be empty for the test. The colon prep may be uncomfortable and you may
feel hungry on the clear liquid diet. If you need to drink a special solution
as part of your prep, be sure to have clear fruit juices or soft drinks to
drink after the prep because the solution tastes salty.
Colonoscopy is one of many tests that may be used to screen for colon cancer. Which screening test you choose depends on your risk, your preference, and your doctor. Talk to your doctor about what puts you at risk and what test is best for you.
information on screening tests for colon cancer, see:
- Colon Cancer: Which Screening Test Should I Have?