Cancer Colon Cancer Prevention Colonoscopy: Overview By Amber J. Tresca facebook twitter linkedin Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16. Learn about our editorial process Amber J. Tresca Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD on June 22, 2020 linkedin Douglas A. Nelson, MD, is double board-certified in medical oncology and hematology. He was a physician in the US Air Force and now practices at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he is an associate professor. Learn about our Medical Review Board Douglas A. Nelson, MD Updated on January 15, 2021 Print Table of Contents View All What It Is Purpose How to Prepare What to Expect Recovery Long-Term Care A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a long, flexible tube with a camera, called a colonoscope, is inserted into the rectum to visualize the inside of your colon (large intestines). Performed by a gastroenterologist, a colonoscopy is used to screen for colon cancer and to evaluate various colon-related problems like abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or a change in bowel habits. Illustration by Cindy Chung, Verywell What Is a Colonoscopy? A colonoscopy is most commonly performed as an elective procedure under mild sedation in an outpatient endoscopy center or an ambulatory surgical center. Less commonly, it is performed urgently in a hospital, often for cases of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. After the colonoscope is inserted into the rectum, the tube is threaded through the colon so that the medical team can view it from the inside on a monitor. This allows them to look for abnormalities including polyps (tissue growths), sores (ulcers), inflammation, and bleeding. Besides detecting tissue abnormalities, the colonoscope can be used to treat certain problems. For example, tiny instruments may be inserted through the scope to clip and remove polyps. Tissue samples, called biopsies, may also be performed during a colonoscopy. How a Colon Biopsy Is Performed Contraindications Absolute contraindications to a colonoscopy include: Recent heart attackHemodynamic instabilityPeritonitisRecent surgery with colonic anastomosis or bowel injury and repairKnown or suspected colon perforationFulminant colitis and severe toxic megacolon Potential Risks Potential risks of a colonoscopy include: Bleeding: Bleeding occurs in roughly 1 of 1,000 colonoscopies and is more likely to occur when a polyp is removed.Infection: Infections are uncommon after a colonoscopy, but are more likely to occur with inadequate colon preparation.Colon perforation: Perforation of the colon (a hole in the colon) is rare, but may occur when air is injected into the colon during the procedure to improve visualization. It can also occur if an instrument punctures the bowel. Factors that increase a person's risk for this include increased age, being hospitalized (in intensive care) at the time of the procedure, a history of abdominal pain, and Crohn's disease.Postpolypectomy syndrome: This syndrome occurs in roughly 1 in 1,000 colonoscopies and is most likely to occur when electrocoagulation (cautery or burning) is used to stop bleeding at the base of a polyp when it's being removed. Symptoms include fever and abdominal pain.Medication side effects: An adverse reaction (e.g., nausea or vomiting) or rarely, an allergy, to the pain or sedative medications used during a colonoscopy may occur. Purpose of Colonoscopy A colonoscopy may be performed as a screening test to look for evidence of pre-cancerous polyps or cancer, or as a diagnostic test when certain colon-related symptoms arise. Screening Colonoscopy While most screening tests are done in an attempt to find cancer in its earliest stage, what's referred to as early detection, a colonoscopy offers something more unique: it allows for a polyp to be detected and removed before it even has time to develop into a cancerous tumor. The American Cancer Society recommends that screening begin at age 45 for those at average risk for developing colon cancer. It should be repeated every 10 years as long as results are normal. Screening is recommended at a younger age (and more often) for those who have risk factors for colon cancer, such as: A strong family history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polypsA family history of a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis or Lynch syndromeA personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polypsA personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBS), such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitisA personal history of radiation to the abdomen or pelvis to treat cancer Besides undergoing a colonoscopy every 10 years (or earlier, depending on a person's prior test results and risk profile), there are other colon cancer screening options, including: An annual fecal occult blood test (guaiac test)An annual fecal immunochemical testA stool DNA test every three yearsVirtual colonoscopy every five yearsFlexible sigmoidoscopy every five years Your doctor may recommend one over another depending on several factors. Insurance coverage of such tests as screening tools can vary depending on your plan and health history. Diagnostic Colonoscopy A diagnostic colonoscopy may be recommended for those who have colon-related symptoms or signs that may indicate an underlying disease process, such as colon cancer, hemorrhoids, diverticular disease, or IBD. Symptoms and signs that often warrant a diagnostic colonoscopy include: Rectal bleedingA change in bowel habits, like chronic diarrhea or constipationA change in stool color or shapeTenesmus: A feeling like you need to defecate even after having a bowel movement Chronic abdominal or rectal painUnintentional weight lossUnexplained iron deficiency anemia The Purpose of a Colonoscopy How to Prepare Once your colonoscopy is scheduled, your doctor will give you various preparatory instructions, such as: Starting a low-fiber diet three to seven days before the procedureDrinking only clear liquids the day before the procedureAvoiding any liquids with red, purple, or blue dyes (which may stain the colon and interfere with the test)Stopping certain medications (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or anticoagulants) for a period of time before your procedure, based on your individual bleeding and blood-clotting risksArranging to have someone drive you home after the procedure To thoroughly clean out your colon, your doctor will have you undergo a bowel preparation, typically with a liquid laxative like Golytely (polyethylene glycol). While there are different types of bowel preparations, they all cause several hours of watery diarrhea, so be sure you have easy access to a bathroom. How to Prepare for a Colonoscopy What to Expect on the Day of Your Procedure A colonoscopy takes about 30 minutes to complete. Here is a brief summary of what you can expect from start to finish: After changing into a hospital gown, a nurse will take your vitals and place a peripheral IV in your arm or hand.Once in the procedure room, you will be asked to lay on your left side with your knees bent. Sedative and pain medications will then be given, either in pill form or through your IV. This type of anesthesia is called "twilight sleep" and is different than general anesthesia. Though many people sleep through the procedure, you may awaken at times. That said, you will be very relaxed.When you are adequately sedated, the doctor will insert the colonoscope into your rectum and begin advancing the instrument upward through your colon. To get a clearer view, air will be pumped through the colonoscope to open up the intestinal passage. If you are awake, you may feel some cramping or bloating during this time.If any abnormal regions are noted, a biopsy may be performed via a special tool on the colonoscope. Likewise, if polyps are found, they can be removed with a special wire loop on the scope. You will not feel anything during a biopsy or polyp removal.When the procedure is finished, the physician will remove the colonoscope and you will be taken to a recovery area. What to Expect on the Day of a Colonoscopy Recovery As your sedative wears off, you will be observed in a recovery area for about one hour. You may wake up shortly after the procedure or be drowsy for some time. Because of the sedative medications used, most people don't remember the test. When you are awake and alert, your IV will be removed and your nurse will likely offer you some food (such as crackers and juice) before going home. Keep in mind, you may feel drowsy for the first 24 hours after your colonoscopy, so you should not drive or operate machinery during this time. Due to the transient effects of anesthesia on memory, it's also recommended that people avoid making critical decisions, like signing legal documents, until the day after their procedure. While you will be able to resume most ordinary daily activities and your regular diet right after a colonoscopy, you should avoid alcohol and strenuous activities for at least 24 hours. When to Seek Medical Attention Mild bloating, gas pains, or even a small amount of blood with your first bowel movement are normal after a colonoscopy. But be sure to contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:Fever or chillsPassing frequent blood or blood clots in your stoolAbdominal pain, swelling, or hardeningAn inability to pass gasNausea and vomitingDizziness or feeling faintTrouble breathing, leg swelling, or chest pain Recovery From a Colonoscopy Long-Term Care Any potential follow-up care will depend on the results of your colonoscopy, which you should receive or hear about within seven to 10 days of undergoing the procedure. Remember to follow-up after your test. Do not assume everything is OK if you do not hear back from your doctor. Once you get your results, if your colonoscopy is completely normal and you have an average risk of developing colon cancer, a follow-up colonoscopy will generally be recommended in 10 years. On the other hand, if a polyp or abnormal tissue is found and removed, it will be sent off to a pathologist for evaluation to determine if its cancerous, precancerous, or noncancerous. Based on your results, a repeat colonoscopy may be recommended for one to 10 years, depending on various factors like the size and type of polyp found. If cancer is detected, you will need to follow up with an oncologist for colon cancer staging and a treatment plan. Likewise, other medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, may warrant close follow-up with a gastroenterologist and/or additional testing. Colonoscopy: Long-Term Care A Word From Verywell Indeed, undergoing a colonoscopy is not something most people look forward to. It is, however, an incredibly useful screening and diagnostic test, as well as a test that is very safe and straightforward overall. As it can catch a polyp before it has the chance to become cancerous, a colonoscopy can also be life-saving. Stick to the testing guidelines set out by your doctor. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Limiting processed foods and red meats can help ward off cancer risk. These recipes focus on antioxidant-rich foods to better protect you and your loved ones. Sign up and get your guide! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Jang BI. Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Is Urgent Colonoscopy Necessary for All Hematochezia? Clin Endosc. 2013 Sep;46(5):476-79. doi:10.5946/ce.2013.46.5.476 Stauffer CM, Pfeifer C. Colonoscopy. StatPearls. 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