A colonoscope is a long flexible tube that is about the thickness of a finger. It is inserted through the rectum, into the large intestine (colon) to carefully examine the lining of the colon. If something is suspicious or an inflammation is seen and needs to be examined in more detail, your doctor can pass an instrument through the colonoscope and take a small piece of tissue (biopsy) for examination in the lab. Biopsies are taken for many reasons and do not necessarily mean that cancer is suspected. A small brush can also be introduced as well to collect cells from an area for laboratory examination.

During the course of the examination, a polyp may be found. Polyps are abnormal growth of tissue, which vary in size from a tiny dot to several inches. If one or many polyps are found, a wire loop (snare) can be passed and an electrical current is used to sever the attached polyp. You should feel no pain during the removal of the polyp. Polyps are removed because they can cause bleeding and may contain cancer cells. Although the majority of polyps are benign, (non-cancerous), a small percentage may contain an area of cancer or may develop into cancer. Removal of polyps, therefore, is an important means of preventing and curing colon cancer, which is one of the leading forms of cancer in the United States.

Colonoscopy is a valuable tool for diagnosis and treatment of many diseases of the large intestine. Abnormalities suspected by X-ray can be confirmed and studied in detail. Even when X-rays are negative, the cause of symptoms such as rectal bleeding or change in bowel habits may be found by colonoscopy. It is useful in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with inflammatory bowel disease as well.
Colonoscopy’s greatest impact is probably in its contribution to the control of colon cancer by polyp removal. Before colonoscopy became available, major abdominal surgery was the only way to remove colon polyps to determine if they were benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Now polyps can be removed easily and safely without surgery. Periodic colonoscopy is a valuable tool for follow-up of patients with previous polyps, colon cancer or a family history of colon cancer.
Colonoscopy is a safe and extremely worthwhile procedure, which is very well tolerated. There is still a chance that a polyp behind a fold could be missed. If you have questions, do not hesitate to speak to your doctor about it.

You will receive medication that will make you feel relaxed and sleepy. While lying on your left side, that colonoscope is passed through the rectum and advanced gradually. The procedure is extremely well tolerated and rarely caused pain. Many patients even fall asleep during the procedure. There may be some discomfort during colonoscopy, but is usually mild. In rare cases, passage of the entire colon cannot be achieved, though a limited examination may be sufficient if the area in question was visualized.

You may feel bloated for a few minutes after the procedure because of the air introduced to examine your colon. You will be able to resume your regular diet after the colonoscopy unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

Colonoscopy and polypectomy are safe and associated with very low risk when performed by physicians trained in Endoscopy. One possible complication is perforation, in which a tear through the wall of the bowel may allow leakage of intestinal fluids. This complication usually requires surgery, but may be managed with antibiotics and IV fluids in selected cases. Bleeding may occur from the biopsy or polyp site. It is usually minor and stops on its own or can be controlled by cauterization (application of electrical current) through the colonoscope. Rarely transfusions or surgery may be required.

Local irritation of the vein may occur at the site of medication injection. A tender lump may develop, which may remain for several weeks to several months, but goes away eventually. Other risks include drug reactions and complications from unrelated diseases, such as heart attack or stroke. Death is extremely rare, but remains a remote possibility.