The colon, also known as the large intestine, absorbs water and electrolytes from digested food and moves waste out of the body. Changes within the colon do not always produce noticeable symptoms, so physicians rely on specific procedures to examine it directly. A colonoscopy is one of these procedures.
What Is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure that allows a physician to examine the inner lining of the colon and rectum. The physician uses a colonoscope, which is a long, thin, flexible tube with a light and a small camera at its tip. The camera sends images to a monitor, and it provides a detailed view of the tissue.
Physicians may recommend a colonoscopy for screening or for diagnostic purposes. Screening involves examining the colon in people who have no current symptoms. A diagnostic colonoscopy may be advised when a person reports changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal discomfort, or unexplained weight loss. Polyps are small growths that form on the inner wall of the colon. Some remain harmless, but others may change over time. For this reason, physicians can remove polyps and send them for laboratory analysis.
What Does It Involve?
Preparing for a colonoscopy usually starts a few days before the procedure. Patients may begin with a low-fiber diet several days ahead of time. The day before the exam, you will move to clear liquids. Your physician can also prescribe a laxative solution to empty the colon, which gives them a clear view of the colon lining during the exam. If you take medication, you may need to pause or adjust them, so follow your physician’s directions. Because the procedure involves sedation, plan to have another adult drive you home afterward.
On the day of the procedure, a member of the care team can place an intravenous line to administer sedation. Many patients feel drowsy or relaxed and recall little of the exam. The patient lies on their side, and the physician guides the colonoscope through the rectum and into the colon. If the physician finds polyps or other areas of concern, they can remove tissue or collect biopsy samples.
Patients rest in a recovery area while the sedation wears off afterward. Mild bloating or cramping can occur, but it typically resolves within a few hours. People may resume their usual diet soon after the procedure, as well as returning to regular activities the next day.
What Are the Benefits?
A colonoscopy can offer several advantages, compared with other methods of examining the colon. The information gathered during the exam may support the development of a treatment plan, and it allows physicians to base it on each patient’s needs. Other benefits include:
- Direct Visualization: The procedure allows the physician to view the colon lining in real time rather than relying on indirect images.
- Same-session Treatment: Physicians are able to remove polyps during the same procedure in which they find them, which may reduce the need for a separate appointment.
- Diagnostic Tissue Sampling: Biopsies provide samples for laboratory review, which can help clarify the nature of abnormal tissue.
A colonoscopy’s findings may also help the physician recommend a suitable interval for future exams if they are necessary.
Meet With a Gastroenterologist
Screening recommendations can vary, based on age, personal health history, and family history of colorectal conditions. It is often suggested that adults at average risk begin colorectal screening at age 45. Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer may receive a recommendation to begin earlier. A gastroenterologist is able to review these factors, and they can suggest a screening timeline suited to each person’s circumstances.
