Colonoscopy

Medical Author: Eric Lee, M.D.
Medical Reviewing Author/Editor: Dennis Lee, M.D.

• What is colonoscopy?
• Why is colonoscopy done?
• What bowel preparation is needed for colonoscopy?
• What about current medications or diet before colonoscopy?
• What to expect during colonoscopy?
• What if there are abnormalities detected during colonoscopy?
• What to expect after a colonoscopy?
• What are the possible complications or alternatives?
  • Virtual Colonoscopy
• Related colonoscopy articles:
  Colonoscopy - on WebMD

What is colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is a procedure that enables an examiner (usually a gastroenterologist) to evaluate the appearance of the inside of the colon (large bowel). This is accomplished by inserting a flexible tube that is about the thickness of a finger into the anus, and then advancing it slowly, under visual control, into the rectum and through the colon. It is performed with the visual control of either looking through the instrument or with viewing a TV monitor.

Why is colonoscopy done?

This test may be done for a variety of reasons. Most often it is done to investigate the finding of blood in the stool, abdominal pain, diarrhea, a change in the bowel habits, or an abnormality found on colon x- ray or a CT scan. Certain individuals with previous history of polyps or colon cancer and certain individuals with family history of particular malignancies or colon problems may be advised to have periodic colonoscopies because they are at a greater risk of polyps or colon cancer.

Next: What bowel preparation is needed for colonoscopy? »

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