What Is Involved With a Colonoscopy?

Each year, more than 141,000 Americans receive a diagnosis of colorectal cancer, while 53,000 die from the disease annually (2005 statistics, the most recent available), reports the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A primary factor in the success of treatment for colon diseases is early detection through colonoscopies.

Identification

• During a colonoscopy, a doctor inserts a narrow tube into your rectum with a camera on one end, which allows the doctor to see inside the colon and look for abnormalities like polyps or tumors. Doctors sometimes remove small tissue samples for laboratory analysis during the procedure.

Preparation

• In order to clear the colon, your doctor is likely to recommend a clear liquid diet for one to three days before your procedure, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The night before your procedure, you may need to take a strong laxative or use an enema, a solution that flushes out any built-up waste from your rectum.

During the Procedure

• During the colonoscopy, your doctor will give you a sedative either in a pill form or intravenously so that you do not feel any discomfort during the procedure. A colonoscopy usually lasts 30 minutes to one hour, explains the Mayo Clinic.

After the Procedure

• Most patients recover from the sedative within one to two hours after the procedure and are able to return home, reports the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. You may experience intestinal gas or notice a small amount of blood in your first bowel movement after the procedure.

Considerations

• Avoid driving for 24 hours after a colonoscopy in order to allow the sedative to wear off, suggests the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. If you develop a fever or severe abdominal pain, feel dizzy and weak or experience very bloody bowel movements after a colonoscopy, seek emergency medical attention.