After careful medical assessment, your doctor has decided that a colonoscopy is necessary for further evaluation and treatment of your condition. The colonoscopy will examine your entire colon.

Colonoscopy is a valuable tool for the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases of the large intestine. Abnormalities found on X-rays can be confirmed and studied in detail. Abnormal growths, called polyps can be removed if found, and biopsies of abnormal tissue can be obtained using various instruments passed through the scope during the procedure. Biopsies and polyp removal are painless.

The instrument (colonoscope) used for the colonoscopy is a long, flexible rubber tube (about the diameter of your little finger) containing a light and lens system that allows for visual and photographic examination of the inner walls of the colon. It is passed by the gastroenterologist through the anus and the entire length of the colon.

The colonoscopy usually takes about 20-30 minutes. You will be lying on your left side while the procedure is done. An IV will be started, and you will be given sedative medication through the IV to make you relaxed and sleepy. You may experience some mild cramping and discomfort during the procedure, but the pain medication we provide should relieve this.

After the procedure, you will be monitored in our recovery area for about 30 minutes, to allow the effects of the sedative medication to wear off. You may feel bloated for a short while after the procedure because of the air that was introduced into your colon during the procedure. You will feel better when you pass the air.

Because of the sedative medication, you will not be able to drive yourself home. Even though you might feel awake and alert, the medication is still in your bloodstream and it make it unsafe and illegal for you to drive the rest of the day.

Colonoscopy is very safe, with less than 1% risk of complications. However, if complications occur, they may require hospitalization and possibly even surgery. The risks include:

• Perforation or a tear in the lining of your large intestine.
• Bleeding from the site of a biopsy or polyp removal, or following dilation of a narrowed area.
• An adverse reaction to a medication used during your procedure.

For the best possible examination, it will be necessary for you to follow the pre-procedure instructions provided to you very carefully.