Lower digestive endoscopy

A colonoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses an instrument called a colonoscope to look inside the large intestine (or colon) and rectum.

Colonoscopy is a vital part of screening for colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and other bowel-related conditions. It is performed as an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home immediately after the procedure is completed.

The colonoscope is long and flexible and has a light and a small chamber at one end. It is the width of your index finger. As it moves through your colon and rectum, it takes pictures and videos that are saved.

What preparation is needed before a colonoscopy?

5 days before you will avoid high fibre foods (fruit and vegetables, seeds).

The day before the colonoscopy, you will stop eating solid foods and switch to a clear liquid diet, where you can have things like water, coffee without milk, apple juice – clear, strained soup.

Before an evening you will drink a special liquid laxative to cleanse your bowel contents.

What does a colonoscopy involve?

If a polyp or abnormal area is found, special instruments may be used to remove the polyp or biopsy the abnormal tissue. The polyps and tissue samples are then sent to a laboratory for evaluation. The procedure takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Can I go home after colonoscopy?

Yes, the colonoscopy is done as an outpatient and you go home shortly afterwards. Immediately after the procedure, you will spend some time in a recovery area while the sedation wears off and. The doctor will talk to you before you go home and communicate the results.

If biopsies were taken, they will return in 1-2 weeks. You will need to be accompanied and take the rest of the day off. No driving on the day of the procedure.