A small catheter for intravenous (IV) medicine is inserted into your arm. The medication will help you relax and become sleepy. You’ll be placed in a comfortable position on your left side. Your physician will gently examine your rectum with a lubricated, gloved finger. A large flexible tube called a colonoscope, will be inserted into your rectum and moved throughout the length of the colon to view the lining of the large intestine. You may be placed in a different position during the exam, such as on your back, to make it easier to pass the instrument through the entire large bowel. If a suspicious area is noted, a small tissue sample will be taken and tested to make a diagnosis. The examination takes approximately 30 minutes.
This procedure is an examination of the large intestine. The physician will look for inflammation, ulcers or abnormal growths called polyps. The physician uses a colonoscope. This is an instrument with a small camera attached to a soft, flexible tube. The procedure usually lasts from 30 minutes to an hour.
A colonoscopy is used to detect and remove polyps. Polyps are abnormal tissue growths on the intestinal wall that can range in size from a small dot to several inches. Polyps are usually removed because they can lead to rectal bleeding, grow larger and develop into cancerous growths or even be cancerous.
Specific instructions will be provided on how to cleanse your bowel prior to your colonoscopy.
It’s important that you follow the instructions so the colon is appropriately prepared for the procedure.
Download the Colonoscopy forms and view the instructional videos below.
Download the Consent or Procedure Forms below and fill them out to bring with you to your appointment.
