Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a procedure to examine the lower gastrointestinal tract to diagnose and sometimes treat problems such as polyps, inflamed tissues, and cancers, such as colorectal cancer.  Colonoscopy assists in the diagnosis of abdominal pain, bleeding or unexplained changes in bowel habits and weight loss.

Under sedation, a thin flexible tube with a camera at the end (colonoscope) is passed through the rectum into the colon (large intestine, large bowel) which allows viewing of the colon and specialised procedures such as biopsy and removal of polyps.

Colonoscopy is done as a day procedure.  You will need to modify your diet beforehand and follow a bowel preparation regime which empties the colon to allow for clear imaging.  Recovery is usually straightforward with no/minimal after-effects from the procedure.  Your doctor will discuss the procedure with you in detail if this is recommended for you.