What is Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that allows your doctor to examine the inner lining of your large intestine (colon and rectum). Using a colonoscope—a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera at its tip—your doctor can detect inflamed tissue, ulcers, abnormal growths, and bleeding.
Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer screening. It can not only detect cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages but also prevent it by removing precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer.
During the procedure, your gastroenterologist can also take tissue samples (biopsies) and remove polyps, making it both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool.
Why is Colonoscopy Important?
Colonoscopy serves multiple crucial purposes in maintaining your digestive health:
- Cancer Screening: Detects colon cancer early when it's most treatable
- Cancer Prevention: Removes precancerous polyps before they become cancerous
- Symptom Investigation: Evaluates causes of rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits
- Disease Monitoring: Tracks inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis
- Anemia Evaluation: Investigates unexplained iron deficiency anemia
When to Start Screening
Average-risk individuals should begin regular screenings at age 45. Those with family history may need to start earlier.
Procedure Duration
The examination typically takes 30-60 minutes. Plan for 2-3 hours total including preparation and recovery time.
Frequency
Every 10 years for average-risk individuals with normal results. More frequent if polyps are found or risk factors exist.
Colonoscopy Preparation Timeline
Proper preparation is crucial for a successful colonoscopy. Here's what to expect:
3-5 Days Before
Stop taking iron supplements, aspirin (if approved by your doctor), and blood thinners. Avoid nuts, seeds, and high-fiber foods.
Day Before Procedure
Clear liquid diet only (broth, clear juices, gelatin, tea/coffee without milk). Begin bowel prep solution as directed by your doctor.
Procedure Day
Complete bowel prep. Nothing by mouth for 4-6 hours before the procedure. Arrange for someone to drive you home.
Benefits of Colonoscopy
Cancer Prevention
Removes precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer
Early Detection
Identifies cancer at earliest stages when treatment is most effective
Comprehensive Examination
Views entire colon, unlike other tests that only examine portions
Therapeutic Capability
Allows immediate removal of polyps and treatment of bleeding
Screening Age Guidelines
When you should start colonoscopy screening depends on your risk factors:
Average Risk
Start at age 45
No personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps
Increased Risk
Start at age 40 or 10 years before youngest affected relative
Family history of colon cancer or advanced polyps
High Risk
Start as early as teens to 20s
Inflammatory bowel disease or genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome
What to Expect During the Procedure
- Sedation: You'll receive intravenous sedation to keep you comfortable and relaxed
- Positioning: You'll lie on your left side on the examination table
- Insertion: The colonoscope is gently inserted into the rectum and advanced through the colon
- Examination: Your doctor carefully examines the colon lining and may take biopsies or remove polyps
- Air Insufflation: Air is introduced to expand the colon for better visibility
- Recovery: You'll rest in a recovery area until the sedation wears off (typically 30-60 minutes)
Schedule Your Colonoscopy Today
Don't delay this life-saving screening. Colon cancer is highly preventable when detected early. Our expert team led by Dr. Jitendra Mohan Jha provides compassionate care with the latest technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients experience no pain during the procedure due to sedation. You might feel some pressure or mild cramping, but the sedation ensures you're comfortable throughout. After the procedure, some bloating or gas is common but temporary.
The actual examination typically takes 30-60 minutes. However, you should plan to spend 2-3 hours at the facility to account for preparation, the procedure itself, and recovery time from sedation.
Colonoscopy is the only test that examines the entire colon and can both detect and remove polyps during the same procedure. Other tests like stool tests or CT colonography may detect abnormalities but require follow-up colonoscopy if positive.
Colonoscopy is over 95% accurate for detecting cancer and large polyps. The quality depends on proper bowel preparation and the skill of the gastroenterologist. At our clinic, we maintain the highest standards for both.
Your doctor will discuss preliminary findings with you immediately after the procedure. If biopsies were taken, those results typically take 3-7 days. A detailed report will be sent to you and your referring physician.
Colonoscopy is very safe, with serious complications occurring in less than 1% of procedures. Potential risks include bleeding (especially if polyps are removed), perforation of the colon wall, or reactions to sedation. These are rare, and the benefits of cancer detection far outweigh the risks.
After Your Colonoscopy
After the procedure, you'll need someone to drive you home due to the sedation effects. You can usually resume normal activities the next day.
You might experience some gas or bloating as the air introduced during the procedure is expelled. This is normal and should resolve within a few hours. If you had polyps removed, you might notice a small amount of blood in your stool for a day or two.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, or heavy rectal bleeding after the procedure.