Colonoscopy Abdominal Pain

A colonoscopy is a medical test that investigates abdominal pain, screens for colon cancer and looks for abnormal tissue in the colon, such as polyps. This procedure allows a doctor to see the inside of a patient's colon and rectum.

Symptom Investigation

• A colonoscopy can be used to find the sources of rectal bleeding, abdominal discomfort or other intestinal problems, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Cancer Screening

• Doctors may recommend periodic colonoscopies to screen patients for cancerous polyps and abnormal precancerous growths in the colon.

Colonoscopy Risks

• Colonoscopies are generally safe and rarely result in bleeding inside the colon from the removal of a polyp, a tear in the rectum or colon wall or an adverse reaction to the sedative that is used during the procedure.

Procedure Preparation

• Patients will need to follow a restricted diet on the day before the colonoscopy exam, use a prescription laxative to remove bodily waste from the colon and possibly adjust medication dosages before the procedure.

The Procedure

• A doctor inserts a flexible, lighted tube with a camera in the patient's rectum, moves the tube through the colon and pumps air into the colon to allow better viewing. This may cause subsequent abdominal pain. Polyps may be removed by tiny instruments during the colonoscopy.