A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure.

A doctor uses a long, flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of your entire large intestine (colon and rectum).

It is the “gold standard” for screening for colorectal cancer, checking for digestive symptoms, and removing precancerous polyps.

Procedure Overview: Pre-operative Preparation: Thorough bowel preparation is essential. The day before the procedure, you will need to eat a clear liquid diet and take a special laxative to completely empty your colon.

During the Procedure: You will be sedated or anesthetized to ensure the procedure is performed while you are asleep and painless.

The doctor will gently insert the endoscope through the rectum and advance it throughout the colon.

Polyp Removal: The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. If the doctor finds polyps or abnormal tissue, they will be painlessly removed or a biopsy (tissue sample) will be taken for testing.

Post-operative Care and Recovery: Hospitalization: You will stay in the recovery room for 1 to 2 hours until the anesthesia wears off. Resumption of Diet: You can usually resume a normal diet and daily activities the following day.

Traffic safety: Due to the use of anesthetic, you must arrange for someone to drive you home. You are strictly prohibited from driving or making any major decisions for 24 hours.