Grand Junction Endoscopy Center
If you click the 'Continue' button, you will be leaving this website. To stay here, click the 'Cancel' button.
Direct Screen Colonoscopy Program
How Does a Colonoscopy Work and What Can It Detect?
A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure a doctor uses to view the interior of the colon and rectum. It allows a doctor to check for any irritation, swelling, polyps, ulcers and cancer. Colonoscopy uses a colonoscope, a long, flexible tube the width of a finger with a small video camera and lighting at the end.
Colonoscopy might help diagnose:
- Colorectal cancer
- Colorectal polyps
- Colon perforation
- Chronic colitis
- Intestinal ischemia
- Ischemic colitis
- Diverticulosis
- Diverticulitis
- Ulcers
- Large bowel obstructions
When Should You Get a Colonoscopy?
Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S., not counting certain skin cancers. Many cases of colorectal cancer may be avoided with routine and early colon cancer screening. The American Cancer Society recommends that adults at average risk begin screening at age 45. One of the most effective tools for this is a colonoscopy, which checks for polyps and cancer in the colon.
Colonoscopy may also be recommended if you experience these symptoms:
- Unexplained rectal discharge or bleeding.
- Persistent abdominal pain.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Unexplained diarrhea, incontinence, constipation or other bowel conditions.
How To Prepare for a Colonoscopy?
Before your colonoscopy, your doctor will give you instructions regarding food and what to drink to clean your colon. On the day of the procedure, you’ll be given medicine to help keep you comfortable. Some people get general anesthesia, which puts you in a deep sleep. Others may receive conscious sedation, which helps you relax and blocks pain but keeps you lightly awake. Your doctor will go over these options with you ahead of time.
Here’s what to expect from a colonoscopy:
- Before the test, your doctor will explain what you can eat and how to clean out your colon.
- On the day of the procedure, you’ll get medication to help you stay calm and comfortable. Most people fall asleep and don’t remember anything afterward.
- The doctor gently inserts a colonoscope, which is a flexible tube with a camera, through the rectum to view the colon’s lining.
- During the exam, your doctor may:
- Remove polyps
- Give medication
- Place a small stent
- Treat or seal any bleeding areas
The procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes. After the procedure, you will not be able to drive home. General anesthesia can slow thought processes, reduce reflexes and cause other side effects. Anesthesia usually takes about 24 hours to wear off completely, so make sure you have arranged a ride home ahead of time.