What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which your doctor will screen your rectum and colon for polyps or cancer. A long, flexible tube called a colonoscope contains a tiny video camera, allowing your doctor to see the inside of your colon.

During the procedure, your doctor will look for changes or abnormalities in your colon and rectum. They can also diagnose other conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, or remove any polyps before they can turn into cancer.

Tissue samples, or biopsies, can be taken during your colonoscopy to determine if any changes or abnormality your doctor finds are cancerous.

A colonoscopy is the best way to detect colon cancer early. This simple procedure typically takes less than an hour, and you’ll be able to return to your regular activities the next day.

What happens during a colonoscopy?

You’ll have the option of anesthesia during your procedure, or you can choose not to have it. If you don’t have anesthesia, it may shorten your procedure time by up to half, but the choice is yours.

If you do choose to have anesthesia, you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment.

If a polyp or polyps are discovered during your procedure, we’ll work with you to determine next steps. Our team can help manage even complex colon polyps, often without surgery. 

If you do need surgery, our experienced team of colorectal surgeons will work with you to create your best treatment path for the best outcome.

Why do you need a colonoscopy?

Colon cancer and rectal cancer (commonly grouped together and called colorectal cancer) is the second most common type of cancer in the United States — but it’s one of the few cancers that can be prevented. Early colon cancer stages often have no symptoms, which is why getting a colonoscopy is so important.

The American Cancer Society recommends all men and women with an average risk of colorectal cancer begin regular screenings at age 45.

To fall into the “average risk” category for developing colon or colorectal cancer you:

• Do not need a personal history of colon polyps or colorectal cancer
• Do not need to have a family history of colon cancer
• Do not need a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
• Do not need to have a genetic predisposition to developing colon cancer, such as Lynch syndrome

If you are at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, you may need to begin screenings at an earlier age and get tested more frequently.

How to prepare for a colonoscopy

Despite what you may have heard, preparing for a colonoscopy isn’t as bad as it sounds. The day before your procedure, you’ll need to follow a liquid-only diet and use laxatives. Doing this helps properly empty your colon so your doctor can get a clearer view of your colon and rectum.

We offer a free mobile app called “Easy Prep: Colonoscopy,” which is designed to make preparing for your procedure a little easier. The app gives you:

• A personalized schedule with instructions 
• Helpful hints and tips 
• Shopping list of items you'll need for your clear liquid diet 
• Foods and liquids to stay away from

We’re here to make preparing for your colonoscopy as easy as possible. Our team will answer your questions and walk you through the entire procedure.

What to expect after your colonoscopy

After your colonoscopy, it’s common to experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• Bloating and gas
• Cramps
• Blood in your stool with your first bowel movement
• Grogginess as your anesthesia wears off (if you choose to have it)

If polyps are removed during the procedure, you may be put on a special diet for a few days.