Colonoscopy

Definition

A colonoscopy is an exam that views the inside of the colon (large intestine) and rectum, using a tool called a colonoscope.

The colonoscope has a small camera attached to a flexible tube that can reach the entire length of the colon.

Alternative Names

Colon cancer - colonoscopy; Colorectal cancer - colonoscopy; Colonoscopy - screening; Colon polyps - colonoscopy; Ulcerative colitis - colonoscopy; Crohn disease - colonoscopy; Diverticulitis - colonoscopy; Diarrhea - colonoscopy; Anemia - colonoscopy; Blood in stool - colonoscopy

How the Test is Performed

Colonoscopy is done most often in a procedure room at your health care provider's office. It can also be done in the outpatient department of a hospital or medical center. This procedure is most often done by a specially trained doctor called a gastroenterologist.

  • You will be asked to change out of your street clothes and wear a hospital gown for the procedure.
  • You will likely be given medicine into a vein (IV) to help you relax. You should not feel any pain. You may be awake during the test and may even be able to speak. You will probably not remember anything.
  • You lie on your left side with your knees drawn up toward your chest.
  • The scope is gently inserted through the anus. It is carefully moved into the lowest part of the large intestine. The scope is slowly advanced as far as the lowest part of the small intestine.
  • Air is inserted through the scope to provide a better view. Suction may be used to remove fluid or stool.
  • The doctor gets a better view as the scope is moved back out. So, a more careful exam is done while the scope is being pulled back.
  • Tissue samples (biopsy) or polyps may be removed using tiny tools inserted through the scope. Photos may be taken using the camera at the end of the scope. If needed, procedures, such as laser therapy, are also done.

How to Prepare for the Test

Your bowel needs to be completely empty and clean for the exam. A problem in your large intestine that needs to be treated may be missed if your intestines are not cleaned out.

Your provider will give you the steps for cleansing your bowel. This is called bowel preparation. Steps may include:

  • Using enemas
  • Not eating solid foods for 1 to 3 days before the test
  • Taking laxatives

You need to drink plenty of clear liquids for 1 to 3 days before the test. Examples of clear liquids are:

  • Clear coffee or tea
  • Fat-free bouillon or broth
  • Gelatin
  • Sports drinks without added color
  • Strained fruit juices
  • Water

You will likely be told to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other blood-thinning medicines for several days before the test. Keep taking your other medicines unless your provider tells you otherwise.

You will need to stop taking iron pills or liquids a few days before the test, unless your provider tells you it is OK to continue. Iron can make your stool dark black. This makes it harder for the doctor to view inside your bowel.

How the Test will Feel

The medicines given for the test will make you sleepy so that you may not feel any discomfort or have any memory of the test.

You may feel pressure as the scope moves inside. You may feel brief cramping and gas pains as air is inserted or the scope advances. Passing gas is necessary and should be expected.

After the exam, you may have mild abdominal cramping and pass a lot of gas. You may also feel bloated and sick to your stomach. These feelings will soon go away.

You should be able to go home about one hour after the test. You must plan to have someone take you home after the test because you will be woozy and unable to drive. The providers will not let you leave until someone arrives to help you.

When you are home, follow instructions on recovering from the procedure. These may include:

  • Drink plenty of liquids. Eat a healthy meal to restore your energy.
  • You should be able to return to your regular activities the next day.
  • Avoid driving, operating machinery, drinking alcohol, and making important decisions for at least 24 hours after the test.

Why the Test is Performed

Colonoscopy may be done for the following reasons:

Normal Results

Normal findings are healthy intestinal tissues.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Abnormal test results may mean any of the following:

  • Abnormal pouches on the lining of the intestines, called diverticulosis
  • Areas of bleeding
  • Cancer in the colon or rectum
  • Colitis (a swollen and inflamed intestine) due to Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, infection, or lack of blood flow
  • Small growths called polyps on the lining of your colon (which can be removed through the colonoscope during the exam)

Risks

Risks of colonoscopy may include any of the following:

  • Heavy or ongoing bleeding from biopsy or removal of polyps
  • Hole or tear in the wall of the colon that requires surgery to repair
  • Infection needing antibiotic therapy (very rare)
  • Reaction to the medicine you are given to relax, causing breathing problems or low blood pressure

References

Garber JJ, Chung DC, eds. Colonic polyps and polyposis syndromes. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 126.

Lawler M, Johnson B, Van Schaeybroeck S, et al. Colorectal cancer. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 74.

National Cancer Institute website. Colorectal cancer prevention (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/hp/colorectal-prevention-pdq. Updated March 28, 2024. Accessed April 22, 2024.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network website. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology (NCCN guidelines): colorectal cancer screening. Version 1.2024 - February 27, 2024. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/colorectal_screening.pdf.  Accessed April 22, 2024.

Patel SG, May FP, Anderson JC, et al. Updates on age to start and stop colorectal cancer screening: recommendations from the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Gastroenterology. 2022;162(1):285-299. PMID: 34794816 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34794816/.

Shaukat A, Kahi CJ, Burke CA, Rabeneck L, Sauer BG, Rex DK. ACG clinical guidelines: colorectal cancer screening 2021. Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(3):458-479.  PMID: 33657038 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33657038/.

US Preventive Services Task Force website. Final recommendation statement. Colorectal cancer: screening. www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/colorectal-cancer-screening. Published May 18, 2021. Accessed February 11, 2024.

Related Links

Review Date: 1/31/2023
Reviewed By: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Internal review and update on 02/10/2024 by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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