What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy examines your large intestine (rectum and colon) using a narrow, flexible tube with a light and camera. Inserted through the anus, this device travels through the intestine to help your doctor diagnose illnesses and plan treatments. It can detect abnormal growths called polyps, cancer, inflamed tissue or ulcers.
Why is a colonoscopy done?
Detect early signs of colon cancer
A colonoscopy can be part of routine screening, which usually starts at age 45, or earlier in patients with a family history of colon cancer.
Colonoscopies are essential in both detecting cancer and also finding precancerous polyps. Colon cancer is highly curable if caught early; the best way to detect colon cancer is through a colonoscopy.
Determine causes of intestinal symptoms
Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy if you’re experiencing symptoms such as abnormal bowel movements, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, anemia or unexplained weight loss.
Ask your primary care provider if you need a colonoscopy if you’re over age 45, have a bowel condition, or a family history of colon cancer.
Colonoscopy prep
Your colon and rectum must be empty so your doctor can see the entire inner lining during the colonoscopy. There are different ways to do this, and your doctor will provide detailed preparation instructions once your appointment is scheduled. You need to adjust your diet leading up to your procedure and complete a bowel preparation. Sometimes changes to your medications are needed, including blood thinners and diabetes medications. You must have a responsible adult come with you if you’ll be sedated.
View detailed instructions for your upcoming colonoscopy Watch: 1 Day Bowel Prep With MiraLAX and Dulcolax
What to expect
Plan to arrive at the arrival time provided so the staff can get you ready for your procedure. The test itself takes around 20–40 minutes, but you should expect to be here about 3 hours that day for procedure preparation, the exam and post-procedure recovery.
After you have registered, you will change into a hospital gown. A nurse will review your medication list and medical history. An intravenous (IV) line will be placed to give you sedation during the test. Let the nurse know right away if you have had problems having an IV placed in the past. You will meet your doctor, and they will review the procedure consent form and have you sign it.
Once ready for the procedure you will be taken to a private procedure room where the colonoscopy will occur. The staff in the room will introduce themselves and their role in your care. Before starting the procedure, a safety check, called a time out, will be completed. You will be positioned for the procedure on your left side and given sedation through the IV to help you relax. The doctor will then complete your colonoscopy by moving the camera through your colon. You may feel some abdominal cramping during and after the test that will improve after passing gas.
After the test
You will be taken to a recovery area for monitoring while the sedation wears off. Once awake, you will change back into your clothes. You will be provided a copy of your procedure report, and the doctor will review this with you and/or your friend/family member before you leave. Plan to take the remainder of the day off work and rest at home. If tissue or polyps were removed by biopsy, these are sent to the lab. It usually takes one week for the results to return, at which time you will be notified.
The medicine given during the test can affect memory and impair judgment. Do not drive a motorized vehicle, operate heavy machinery, sign any papers or make any legal decisions on the day of your exam.
What to expect, and why you need a colonoscopy
Sheryl Pfeil, MD, a gastroenterologist at Ohio State, explains colonoscopy, the routine screening test used to detect any issues within the colon. Much like a mammogram, colonoscopy is an important screening tool that can help keep you in good health.
How to prepare for a colonoscopy, and common misconceptions
Samuel Akinyeye, MD, a gastroenterologist at Ohio State, discusses how to properly prepare for your colonoscopy and the importance of following the week-long process.
Why choose Ohio State for your colonoscopy?
Although many physicians offer colonoscopy, not all exams are the same. Ohio State physicians have received extensive training for colonoscopy and perform them in high volumes, which ensures you have a safe, high-quality, comprehensive examination. We also incorporate the latest technology.
Free colonoscopy screening program
Through partnership with the Columbus Free Clinic, free colonoscopies are offered to residents in the Columbus community who require a colonoscopy and are uninsured or who meet certain financial criteria.
For questions, you can call the Columbus Free Clinic at 614-259-7707.
Using advanced technology to detect colon cancer
GI Genius, authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021, is the first device that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help doctors detect polyps in the colon in real time during a colonoscopy.
The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is the first academic medical center in the United States to utilize this new technology to aid colon cancer prevention.
The EVIS X1 Endoscopy System enhances visualization on endoscopy by adopting new technology of texture and color enhancement imaging (TXI Technology) and red dichromatic imaging (RDI technology).
The latest treatments using endoscopy
Our advanced endoscopy team offers sophisticated procedures with colonoscopy to safely treat complex large polyps or early colon cancer, and to improve symptoms from bowel obstruction. These procedures may include:
- Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)
- Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)
- Colonic stenting
- Colonic stricture dilation
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you eat during bowel prep?
It’s important to closely follow the bowel prep instructions and avoid certain food and drinks as recommended before your testing.
Five (5) days before your test, you may eat food such as:
- Milk, cream, cheese, yogurt, sour cream, hot chocolate
- Breads and grains made with refined white flour, white rice, plain crackers, low-fiber cereal including puffed rice, corn flakes
- Meat
- Egg
- Juice without pulp, applesauce, fruit without seeds or skin
- Canned or cooked vegetables without skin or peel, tofu
- Broth, bouillon, strained soups, milk or cream-based soup
- Ice cream, sorbet, plain pudding, custard, Jell-O or gelatin without added fruits or red or purple dye, cookies or cake made with white flour without seeds, nuts, or dried fruit
- Ensure, Boost without added fiber
One to two (1-2) days before your test (depending on your instructions), you’ll switch to a clear liquid diet. You can drink clear and light-colored liquids up to four (4) hours before your test. Do not have anything with red or purple dye.
How do you know when bowel prep is complete?
Good bowel prep is essential to have a high-quality colonoscopy exam. Otherwise, abnormalities in the colon, such as polyps, can be hidden by stool and undetected during your testing. Your colonoscopy may have to be repeated if bowel prep is not completed properly.
You should follow the diet instructions thoroughly and take the entire bowel preparation as prescribed. Your stool should be clear or yellow and translucent after you have completed the bowel prep.
Bowel prep color guide
Dark, murky: NOT READY
Brown, murky: NOT READY
Dark orange, semi-clear: NOT READY
Light orange, mostly clear: ALMOST READY
Yellow, clear: READY
Sometimes despite following bowel prep instructions, your stool is still not clear and additional steps are needed. Call your doctor prior to your procedure if you think your prep is inadequate.
If you have a history of inadequate bowel prep, or any medical conditions that may slow down your bowel movements, such as constipation or chronic opioid use, you may need to discuss special bowel prep instructions with your doctor.
Why does another adult need to come with me?
You will receive sedatives to keep you comfortable and sleepy that may impact your short-term memory and decision-making. You should not drive or work and must have a responsible adult take you home. You may return to your daily routine the day after your testing.
What should I bring with me for the procedure?
Please bring: a photo ID, insurance card, co-payment, and living will, if applicable.
Provide a written list of your medical conditions, prior surgeries, medications and allergies.
Wear comfortable clothes as you will be asked to change into a hospital gown for your procedure.
Do NOT bring: Valuables or jewelry, including piercings. You will be asked to remove jewelry prior to your procedure.
Looking for a primary care provider?
Ohio State has several primary care providers accepting new patients.
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