What is a colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure in which the
inside of the large intestine (colon and rectum) is
examined. A colonoscopy is commonly used to evaluate
gastrointestinal symptoms, such as rectal and intestinal
bleeding, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits.
Colonoscopies are also performed in individuals without
symptoms to check for colorectal polyps or cancer. A
screening colonoscopy is recommended for anyone 50 years
of age and older, 45 years and older in African
Americans, and for anyone with parents, siblings or
children with a history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
What happens before a colonoscopy?
To have a successful colonoscopy, your bowel must be
empty so that your doctor can clearly view the colon. It
is very important that you read and follow all of the
instructions given to you for your bowel preparation
well in advance of the procedure. If your bowel is not
empty, your colonoscopy will not be successful and may
have to be repeated.
To empty your bowel, you will drink a bowel prep
solution. Here are some tips for handling possible
nausea/vomiting and for reducing skin irritation around
To reduce nausea
If you feel nauseated or vomit while taking the bowel
preparation, wait 30 minutes before drinking more fluid
and start with small sips of solution. Some activity
(such as walking) or a few soda crackers may help
decrease the nausea you are feeling. If the nausea
persists, call your doctor.
To prevent skin
You may experience skin irritation around the anus due
to the passage of liquid stools. To prevent and treat
skin irritation, you should:
Apply vaseline or Desitin® ointment to the skin
around the anus before drinking the bowel
preparation medications. These products can be
purchased at any drug store.
Wipe the skin after each bowel movement with
disposable wet wipes instead of toilet paper. These
are found in the toilet paper area of the store.
Sit in a bathtub filled with warm water for 10 to 15
minutes after you finish passing a stool. After
soaking, blot the skin dry with a soft cloth. Then
apply vaseline or Desitin® ointment to the anal
area, and place a cotton ball just outside your anus
to absorb leaking fluid.
What happens during a colonoscopy
During a colonoscopy, your experienced doctor uses a
colonoscope (a long, flexible instrument about 1/2 inch
in diameter) to view the lining of the colon. The
colonoscope is inserted into the rectum and advanced
through the large intestine. If necessary during a
colonoscopy, small amounts of tissue can be removed for
analysis (a biopsy) and polyps can be identified and
entirely removed. In many cases, a colonoscopy allows
accurate diagnosis and treatment of colorectal problems
without the need for a major operation.
How much time is needed to perform a colonoscopy?
The procedure typically lasts from 30 minutes to 1 hour.
What should I expect after a colonoscopy?
You may feel some cramping or a sensation of having
gas, but this quickly passes.
If a biopsy was taken or a polyp was
removed, you may notice light rectal bleeding for
one to two days after the procedure. If you have a
large amount of rectal bleeding, high or persistent
fevers, or severe abdominal pain within the next 2
weeks, please go to your local emergency room and
call the doctor who performed your exam.
If polyps were removed or a biopsy was taken, the
doctor performing your colonoscopy will tell you
when it is safe to resume taking your blood
thinners. You will also be told if you need to stop
taking medications such as nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include
aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) and naproxen
Driving home. If sedation has been given, a responsible
adult (a family member or friend) must drive you home.
Being alone when home. For safety reasons, you probably
shouldn’t be alone. Ask your doctor how long you should
remain with family or friends.
Returning to normal diet and activities. Unless
otherwise instructed, most patients can return to their
normal diet immediately following the colonoscopy. Other
typical advice is to avoid alcohol, driving, regular
activities, and operating machinery for 24 hours
following the procedure.