A screening colonoscopy can identify colorectal cancer and polyps before symptoms begin, and is recommended for anyone age 45 and older and for anyone with for anyone with parents, siblings, or children with a history of colorectal cancer or polyps. Colonoscopies can also be used to evaluate symptoms such as rectal and intestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits.
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a procedure during which an experience physician examines the inside of your large intestine (i.e., colon and rectum) using a colonoscope, a long, flexible instrument about one-half inch in diameter. The colonoscope is inserted into the rectum to view the lining of the colon and if necessary, small amounts of tissue can be removed for analysis (a biopsy) and polyps can be identified and entirely removed.
How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?
- Stay near a toilet! You will have diarrhea, which can be quite sudden. This is normal.
- Try drinking the solution with a straw. It may be easier to tolerate.
- Rarely, people may have nausea or vomiting with the colonoscopy prep. If this occurs, give yourself a 30-minute break, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth, then continue drinking the prep solution.
- You may have bowel cramps until the stool has flushed from your colon (this may take 2 to 4 hours and sometimes much longer).
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