Colonoscopy is an investigation performed using a long flexible tube about the thickness of your little finger to visually examine the inner lining of the colon and rectum. It is used not only to diagnose various intestinal problems but also to perform biopsies and remove intestinal polyps and other more complicated therapies.

This procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis with minimal inconvenience and discomfort.

Some of the possible symptoms and indications that may require a colonoscopy to be performed are:

• Rectal bleeding
• Mucus per rectum
• Change in bowel habit (constipation or diarrhea)
• Unexplained abdominal symptoms
• Patients who test positive for blood in the stools
• Verifying or to remove biopsy polyps located by barium enema examination
• Personal history of colonic polyps or cancer
• Family history of colorectal cancer or familial colorectal polyposis

Colonoscopy is the most accurate examination in detecting polyps or early cancers in the colon. Removal of benign polyps is a major step towards the prevention of colon and rectal cancer.

Colonoscopy is a very safe procedure with less than 0.01% risk of perforation to the wall of the colon in our hands. There is also a very small risk of bleeding following polypectomy within a week or two of the procedure. This is also very rare and I encounter only a case or two every 4 to 5 years.

A clean colon is essential for this procedure. This will increase both the accuracy and safety of the procedure and also shorten the time needed for the examination.

The entire procedure usually takes about 10-30mins. This procedure is usually well tolerated and rarely causes much pain. There may be a feeling of pressure, bloating or cramping at various times during the procedure. A mild sedation may be given if the patient is unable to tolerate this feeling. Following the colonoscopy, there may be slight abdominal distension which quickly improves with the expelling of gas. Most patients can resume their normal diet immediately after the procedure.

You will be able to return home and to drive immediately following colonoscopy if no sedation was given to you. If sedation was given, you will have to be accompanied home.