Colonoscopy
What is a colonoscopy?
After careful assessment, your physician has recommended that you have a Colonoscopy. During this procedure, a flexible fiberoptic scope will be passed through your rectum and into your lower intestinal tract. A Colonoscopy allows the physician examine the lining of your rectum and large intestine (colon). The physician will be able to identify any abnormalities present during the procedure.
What can expect before this procedure?
Prior to the day of the procedure:
You should know that a colonoscopy is a procedure that requires someone else to drive you home after the procedure, so you should make these arrangements ahead of time. Additionally, there will be a colonoscopy preparation that you will have to do prior to the day of the colonoscopy. To determine which preparation is right for you, contact one of our Nurse Clinicians at 573-882-8788. The Colyte preparation is a commonly used preparation and has specific instructions depending on whether or not the colonoscopy will be performed in the morning or in the afternoon. Another commonly used colonoscopy preparation is the Fleet Phospho-Soda preparation, which also has instructions for morning and afternoon procedures. A Nurse Clinician will be contacting you approximately 7-10 days prior to the procedure to ensure you have received your preparation kit and to answer any questions you may have. If you need to contact a Nurse Clinician prior to the procedure please feel free to do so.
On the day of the procedure:
You will be asked to sign a consent form that will give the physician to perform your colonoscopy. Additionally, if you are allergic to any medications, make sure you tell your physician or nurse. You will have an IV started by one of the GI nurses prior to the colonoscopy. You will be given anesthetic medications (Versed and Fentanyl) through your IV that will make you sleepy and relaxed.
What can I expect during this procedure?
You will be asked to turn on your left side before the procedure begins. With a gloved lubricated finger, the physician will examine your rectum. They will insert the scope into your rectum. When the scope is being inserted, you will most likely get the sensation of wanting to have a bowel movement. As the scope is carefully advanced into your colon, the physician will examine the lining of your bowels. You may feel some cramping or gas discomfort due to the air which the physician puts into your colon (air is put into your colon to help expand the intestine so that the physician can thoroughly inspect the lining of your bowels). You may be assisted with changing positions during your procedure to help in the passage of the scope. If needed, the physician may take a specimen or polyp and send it for biopsy. Most polyps can be completely removed at the time of your procedure. You will not feel any discomfort or other sensation when the specimen or polyp is removed.
What can I expect after this procedure?
Be mindful that most patients do not remember their procedure because of the effects of the anesthetic medications. After the procedure is completed, you will probably feel drowsy and may sleep for a short time. You will probably feel bloated as a result of the air put into your colon during the procedure, and you will feel more comfortable if you expel this air. Your physician will discuss the findings with you prior to you leaving the GI lab. You will also receive written instructions to follow once you get home. You must have a driver to take you home. If you do not have a driver, your procedure will not be done. If you have any questions after the procedure, please feel free to contact one of our Nurse Clinicians.
Related Websites and Resources:
- Functions of the bowel
- What is colon cancer?
- American Gastroenterological Association
- Jackson Gastroenterology
- GIHealth.com
- WebMD.com
- WebMD: More Colonoscopy, More Early Detection
- More common GI disorders and procedures
| University of Missouri Health Care | This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. |
