Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat It IsContraindicationsPurposeHow to PrepareWhat to ExpectRecoveryLong-Term CareNext in Colonoscopy GuideHow to Prepare for a Colonoscopy and Bowel Cleanout
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What It Is
Contraindications
Purpose
How to Prepare
What to Expect
Recovery
Long-Term Care
Next in Colonoscopy Guide
Verywell / Cindy Chung
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 lowergastrointestinal bleeding.
After the colonoscope is inserted into the rectum, the tube is threaded through the colon so that the medical team can view it on a monitor. This allows them to look for abnormalities includingpolyps(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, calledbiopsies, may also be obtained during a colonoscopy.
What to Expect From a Colon Biopsy
Absolute contraindications to a colonoscopy include:
Potential Risks
Potentialrisks of a colonoscopyinclude:
Purpose of Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy may be performed as a screening test to look for evidence of precancerous 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 (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 College of Gastroenterology recommends that screening begin at age 45 for those at average risk for developingcolon cancer. A screening colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years as long as results are normal.
Screening is recommended at a younger age (and more often) for those who haverisk factors for colon cancer, such as:
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:
Your healthcare provider may recommend one over another depending on several factors. Insurance coverage for 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:
Endoscopy vs. Colonoscopy: What’s the Difference?
Once your colonoscopy is scheduled, your doctor will give you various preparatory instructions, such as:
To thoroughly clean out your colon, your doctor will have you undergo abowel preparation, typically with a liquid laxative like Golytely (polyethylene glycol).While there are different types of bowel preparations, they all cause several hours ofwatery diarrhea, so be sure you have easy access to a bathroom.
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:
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 AttentionMild 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 stools with blood or blood clotsAbdominal pain, swelling, or hardeningAn inability to pass gasNausea and vomitingDizziness or feeling faintTrouble breathing, leg swelling, or chest pain
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 stools with blood or blood clotsAbdominal pain, swelling, or hardeningAn inability to pass gasNausea and vomitingDizziness or feeling faintTrouble breathing, leg swelling, or chest pain
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:
Recovery From a Colonoscopy
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 apathologistfor evaluation to determine if its cancerous, precancerous, or noncancerous.
Based on your results, a repeat colonoscopy may be recommended in one to 10 years, depending on various factors such the number of polyps found and their size and type.
If cancer is detected, you will need to follow up with an oncologist forcolon cancer stagingand 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: Overview
A Word From Verywell
15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto 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.2013.46.5.476Bhagatwala J, Singhal A, Aldrugh S, Sherid M, Sifuentes H, Sridhar S.Colonoscopy — indications and contraindications. In:Screening for Colorectal Cancer with Colonoscopy. February 2015. doi:10.5772/61097.Kim SY, Kim HS, Park HJ.Adverse events related to colonoscopy: global trends and future challenges.World J Gastroenterol. 2019;25(2):190–204. doi:10.3748/wjg.v25.i2.190Hamdani U, Naeem R, Haider F, et al.Risk factors for colonoscopic perforation: a population-based study of 80118 cases.World J Gastroenterol.2013;19(23):3596-601. doi:10.3748/wjg.v19.i23.3596Jehangir A, Bennett KM, Rettew AC, Fadahunsi O, Shaikh B, Donato A.Post-polypectomy electrocoagulation syndrome: a rare cause of acute abdominal pain.J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2015;5(5):29147. doi:10.3402/jchimp.v5.29147UpToDate.Patient education: Colonoscopy (beyond the basics).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Reducing risk for colorectal cancer.Shaukat A, Kahi CJ, Burke CA, Rabeneck L, Sauer BG, Rex DK.ACG clinical guidelines: Colorectal cancer screening 2021.Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(3):458-479.doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001122American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society guideline for colorectal cancer screening.Ahmed M.Blood thinners and gastrointestinal endoscopy.World J Gastrointest Endosc. 2016;8(17):584–590. doi:10.4253/wjge.v8.i17.584Moon W.Optimal and safe bowel preparation for colonoscopy.Clin Endosc. 2013;46(3):219–223. doi:10.5946/ce.2013.46.3.219Cleveland Clinic.Colonoscopy.Ghisi D, Fanelli A, Tosi M, Nuzzi M, Fanelli G.Monitored anesthesia care.Minerva Anestesiol.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Colonoscopy.Gupta S, Lieberman D, Anderson JC, et al.Spotlight: US Multi-Society Task Force on colorectal cancer recommendations for follow-up after colonoscopy and polypectomy.Gastroenterology. 2020;158(4):1154. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.02.014
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto 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.2013.46.5.476Bhagatwala J, Singhal A, Aldrugh S, Sherid M, Sifuentes H, Sridhar S.Colonoscopy — indications and contraindications. In:Screening for Colorectal Cancer with Colonoscopy. February 2015. doi:10.5772/61097.Kim SY, Kim HS, Park HJ.Adverse events related to colonoscopy: global trends and future challenges.World J Gastroenterol. 2019;25(2):190–204. doi:10.3748/wjg.v25.i2.190Hamdani U, Naeem R, Haider F, et al.Risk factors for colonoscopic perforation: a population-based study of 80118 cases.World J Gastroenterol.2013;19(23):3596-601. doi:10.3748/wjg.v19.i23.3596Jehangir A, Bennett KM, Rettew AC, Fadahunsi O, Shaikh B, Donato A.Post-polypectomy electrocoagulation syndrome: a rare cause of acute abdominal pain.J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2015;5(5):29147. doi:10.3402/jchimp.v5.29147UpToDate.Patient education: Colonoscopy (beyond the basics).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Reducing risk for colorectal cancer.Shaukat A, Kahi CJ, Burke CA, Rabeneck L, Sauer BG, Rex DK.ACG clinical guidelines: Colorectal cancer screening 2021.Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(3):458-479.doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001122American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society guideline for colorectal cancer screening.Ahmed M.Blood thinners and gastrointestinal endoscopy.World J Gastrointest Endosc. 2016;8(17):584–590. doi:10.4253/wjge.v8.i17.584Moon W.Optimal and safe bowel preparation for colonoscopy.Clin Endosc. 2013;46(3):219–223. doi:10.5946/ce.2013.46.3.219Cleveland Clinic.Colonoscopy.Ghisi D, Fanelli A, Tosi M, Nuzzi M, Fanelli G.Monitored anesthesia care.Minerva Anestesiol.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Colonoscopy.Gupta S, Lieberman D, Anderson JC, et al.Spotlight: US Multi-Society Task Force on colorectal cancer recommendations for follow-up after colonoscopy and polypectomy.Gastroenterology. 2020;158(4):1154. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.02.014
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto 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.2013.46.5.476Bhagatwala J, Singhal A, Aldrugh S, Sherid M, Sifuentes H, Sridhar S.Colonoscopy — indications and contraindications. In:Screening for Colorectal Cancer with Colonoscopy. February 2015. doi:10.5772/61097.Kim SY, Kim HS, Park HJ.Adverse events related to colonoscopy: global trends and future challenges.World J Gastroenterol. 2019;25(2):190–204. doi:10.3748/wjg.v25.i2.190Hamdani U, Naeem R, Haider F, et al.Risk factors for colonoscopic perforation: a population-based study of 80118 cases.World J Gastroenterol.2013;19(23):3596-601. doi:10.3748/wjg.v19.i23.3596Jehangir A, Bennett KM, Rettew AC, Fadahunsi O, Shaikh B, Donato A.Post-polypectomy electrocoagulation syndrome: a rare cause of acute abdominal pain.J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2015;5(5):29147. doi:10.3402/jchimp.v5.29147UpToDate.Patient education: Colonoscopy (beyond the basics).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Reducing risk for colorectal cancer.Shaukat A, Kahi CJ, Burke CA, Rabeneck L, Sauer BG, Rex DK.ACG clinical guidelines: Colorectal cancer screening 2021.Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(3):458-479.doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001122American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society guideline for colorectal cancer screening.Ahmed M.Blood thinners and gastrointestinal endoscopy.World J Gastrointest Endosc. 2016;8(17):584–590. doi:10.4253/wjge.v8.i17.584Moon W.Optimal and safe bowel preparation for colonoscopy.Clin Endosc. 2013;46(3):219–223. doi:10.5946/ce.2013.46.3.219Cleveland Clinic.Colonoscopy.Ghisi D, Fanelli A, Tosi M, Nuzzi M, Fanelli G.Monitored anesthesia care.Minerva Anestesiol.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Colonoscopy.Gupta S, Lieberman D, Anderson JC, et al.Spotlight: US Multi-Society Task Force on colorectal cancer recommendations for follow-up after colonoscopy and polypectomy.Gastroenterology. 2020;158(4):1154. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.02.014
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
Bhagatwala J, Singhal A, Aldrugh S, Sherid M, Sifuentes H, Sridhar S.Colonoscopy — indications and contraindications. In:Screening for Colorectal Cancer with Colonoscopy. February 2015. doi:10.5772/61097.
Kim SY, Kim HS, Park HJ.Adverse events related to colonoscopy: global trends and future challenges.World J Gastroenterol. 2019;25(2):190–204. doi:10.3748/wjg.v25.i2.190
Hamdani U, Naeem R, Haider F, et al.Risk factors for colonoscopic perforation: a population-based study of 80118 cases.World J Gastroenterol.2013;19(23):3596-601. doi:10.3748/wjg.v19.i23.3596
Jehangir A, Bennett KM, Rettew AC, Fadahunsi O, Shaikh B, Donato A.Post-polypectomy electrocoagulation syndrome: a rare cause of acute abdominal pain.J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2015;5(5):29147. doi:10.3402/jchimp.v5.29147
UpToDate.Patient education: Colonoscopy (beyond the basics).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Reducing risk for colorectal cancer.
Shaukat A, Kahi CJ, Burke CA, Rabeneck L, Sauer BG, Rex DK.ACG clinical guidelines: Colorectal cancer screening 2021.Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(3):458-479.doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001122
American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society guideline for colorectal cancer screening.
Ahmed M.Blood thinners and gastrointestinal endoscopy.World J Gastrointest Endosc. 2016;8(17):584–590. doi:10.4253/wjge.v8.i17.584
Moon W.Optimal and safe bowel preparation for colonoscopy.Clin Endosc. 2013;46(3):219–223. doi:10.5946/ce.2013.46.3.219
Cleveland Clinic.Colonoscopy.
Ghisi D, Fanelli A, Tosi M, Nuzzi M, Fanelli G.Monitored anesthesia care.Minerva Anestesiol.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Colonoscopy.
Gupta S, Lieberman D, Anderson JC, et al.Spotlight: US Multi-Society Task Force on colorectal cancer recommendations for follow-up after colonoscopy and polypectomy.Gastroenterology. 2020;158(4):1154. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.02.014
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