What is a colonoscopy?

The colon, sometimes called the large intestine or large bowel, is the part of the gut which comes after the small intestine. The last part of the colon leads into the rectum where faeces (stools) are stored before being passed out of the anus (back passage). Colonoscopy is an examination of the large bowel with a narrow flexible instrument that can be guided around the various bends. It is passed through the anus into the colon. The lining of the bowel is checked to see if there are any problems such as inflammation or polyps (a polyp is a bit like a wart). The colonoscopy procedure usually takes thirty minutes but times vary considerably. If it takes longer, you should not worry.

Sometimes it is helpful to take a biopsy - sample of the lining of the bowel. This is done by passing a small instrument called forceps through the colonoscope to ‘pinch’ out a tiny bit of the lining (about the size of a pinhead) which is sent to the laboratory for analysis. In a similar way it is also possible to remove polyps, this is painless.

 

Bowel preparation instructions will be sent to you prior to your appointment.

Follow these instructions carefully because your lower bowel must be completely empty of waste material to allow the endoscopist to have a clear view. Drink as much fluid as you can, even on the day of the procedure.

• Stop taking iron tablets 7 days before the procedure. All other medication should be taken as normal.

• If you are taking Warfarin please read the ‘Alert for patients on Warfarin’ carefully as you may need to have an INR test 7 days before.

• People with diabetes will be given additional instructions.

• If you have any queries about the procedure or find that you cannot keep this appointment, please contact the Endoscopy Office between 0900 and 1700

Telephone: 01223 216546.

The information in this section is also available as Patient Information Leaflets:

In this section: Colonoscopy Patient Information

Last updated: 25 October, 2007
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