Screening Colonoscopy

A screening colonoscopy is a routine procedure that allows your physician to view the entire lining of the colon and rectum. Patients experience little discomfort during the procedure, which is usually performed as an outpatient procedure.

A colonoscopy is generally recommended when at least one of the following has occurred:

• Bowel habits change
• Blood is present in the stool
• Patient has persistent abdominal pain
• Patient is aged 50 years or older

Colonoscopies are one of the best tools healthcare professionals have to detect colon cancer as well as diagnose other gastrointestinal issues.

How do I prepare?

Before a colonoscopy can be done, the bowel must first be thoroughly cleared of all stool. This process is called colonoscopy preparation. This is completed by the patient at home prior to the exam, as prescribed by the doctor.

What happens during and after the procedure?

A colonoscopy involves the use of a colonoscope�a long, thin, flexible instrument connected to a camera and video display monitor. With the patient lying on his/her side, the physician inserts the colonoscope into the rectum and moves it through the entire colon. If the physician notices anything of concern during your colonoscopy, he/she may perform a biopsy (removing a small amount of tissue to examine).

A colonoscopy makes it possible to find and remove abnormal tissue growths (polyps) without surgery. A colonoscopy is more accurate than all other methods to detect polyps and early cancer. The ability to remove polyps during a colonoscopy is a major step toward the prevention of colon cancer.

The entire colonoscopy procedure usually takes less than an hour.

Mild sedation is typically provided to relieve anxiety and discomfort. For this reason, you will need to bring a responsible adult with you to accompany you home after the procedure. You should not drive or operate machinery for at least 8 hours after the procedure. The sedation given during the procedure causes drowsiness, dizziness and impairs your judgment, making it unsafe for you to drive or operate machinery.

Following the colonoscopy, you may experience bloating, which will quickly dissipate. Most patients can resume eating a regular diet later the same day.