Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is an internal examination of the colon in which an instrument called a colonoscope is inserted through the rectum. The colonoscope has a small camera at the tip, which allows physicians to view the colon as the colonoscope travels through it.

A colonoscopy may be used to:

Diagnose internal problems such as ulcers, colon polyps, tumors, bleeding and areas of inflammation.

Preparing for a colonoscopy

You will be asked to stop eating solid foods and colored liquids a day or two before the scheduled procedure. You will be prescribed a bowel-clearing substance that triggers diarrheas in order to completely empty the colon. On the day of the procedure, you may also be required to use an enema to clear out any remains in the colon.