A colonoscopy is a routine and commonly performed procedure that lets a doctor check the inside of your colon and rectum. During colonoscopies, a gastroenterologist inserts a flexible tube with a camera on the end, called a colonoscope, into your rectum so they can inspect your large intestines. The scope is about the width of your finger, and the procedure is typically painless. Most colonoscopies take about 20-30 minutes.

The most common reason to have a colonoscopy is to screen for colorectal cancer, which is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Colonoscopies are a safe, effective way to detect and prevent colon cancer. Colonoscopies can also be useful for the evaluation of conditions, such as bleeding, chronic diarrhea and anemia (low blood counts).

Polyps are abnormal growths that form on the colon lining. They’re almost always benign. While many benign polyps are harmless, some are considered precancerous. This means they could turn into cancer.

Almost all colorectal cancers start as small polyps. During a colonoscopy, doctors can detect and remove these polyps, which is why colonoscopy is an effective way to prevent colorectal cancer. The removal of polyps (polypectomy) is a painless procedure.

Current guidelines advise you should have your first colonoscopy at age 45, then screen every 10 years. People with advanced polyps before age 60 may need to be screened earlier or more frequently. If a relative has had colon cancer, or if you have an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease, Lynch disease or ulcerative colitis, you may need a colonoscopy earlier or require more frequent screenings.

Colonoscopy is a safe and routine procedure, but like any procedure, it does carry some risks. Most of these are minor and uncommon. The most serious complication is a perforation, or a tear of the wall of the colon. In some cases, this can require emergency surgery. Bleeding is another possible complication, which can occur when a polyp is removed. Bleeding typically stops on its own but can require further treatment.

Your primary care doctor’s office will let you know if you are due for a colonoscopy. Your doctor will refer you to a gastroenterologist, who will contact you to schedule the appointment. You can also reach out to your doctor if you have questions or want to schedule an appointment.

Yes. The most effective way to cleanse your colon is to take the entire bowel preparation solution in two separate doses. This helps make sure your colon is clean and reduces the chances you’ll have to reschedule your procedure.

To improve the taste of your preparation medication, try these tips:

• Add a citrus-flavored powdered drink packet.
• Chill the prep before drinking.
• Lick a lemon or lime wedge after sips.
• Use a straw.

Yes. If you’re diabetic or take medications related to diabetes or weight loss, talk to your doctor about your colonoscopy prep and instructions.

Yes. Bowel movements start very quickly after beginning the prep. Feeling bloated, nauseated, and having abdominal cramping or chills is common but should decrease as you keep drinking the bowel preparation.

If you develop severe nausea or vomiting, stop drinking the bowel prep for 30 minutes, then start again once you feel better.

The general rule is: if you can see through it, you can have it. You need to stay well hydrated while drinking the prep, so please drink as much of the clear liquid diet detailed in your prep instructions.

Applying petroleum jelly or diaper rash ointment before starting the prep and after each bowel movement can lessen irritation from bowel movements. You can use nonalcohol baby wipes or nonalcohol wet wipes for cleansing.

Please take all your medications as prescribed unless your doctor or gastroenterologist tells you not to.

Because you’ll be under light sedation during your procedure, you’ll need someone over 18 to drive you home and stay with you for a few hours. Please be sure to arrange for someone to bring you to your procedure, drive you home and be with you after.

Call your doctor’s office if you have any questions about the prep, your medications or your appointment. They’ll be able to help answer any additional questions you have.

You’ll need to show up one hour before your scheduled procedure time. Your entire stay will last two to three hours.

Before the colonoscopy, a nurse will ask questions to make sure you understand the procedure and that you took the prep properly. The gastroenterologist will also review the procedure with you. Your vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation) will be monitored closely before, during and after the procedure.

You’ll receive a sedative and pain medication through an intravenous line placed by a nurse. Because of these medications, most people don’t experience pain or remember the procedure.

Typically, you will lie on your left side during the procedure, although in some cases you may be repositioned. During a colonoscopy, your doctor carefully inspects your colon and may remove polyps (polypectomy) or take biopsies (the painless removal of a small tissue sample).

Most colonoscopies last 20 to 30 minutes, followed by another 30 minutes in the recovery area.

You’ll be monitored closely in the recovery area as the sedatives wear off. You may experience some cramping and bloating. You’re encouraged to pass gas, which will help you feel better. Because sedatives may impair your judgment and coordination, you must have someone drive you home and stay with you for a short time after the procedure.

Generally, there are no restrictions on what you can eat after a colonoscopy. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on whether you should take or avoid certain medications, depending on the findings of your colonoscopy. If your doctor took biopsies or removed polyps, you’ll be contacted later with those results.

Even light sedation can temporarily impair your judgment and coordination. To stay safe, please take it easy for the rest of the day. Some bloating, gas or mild cramping is normal and should go away gradually.

You should be back to normal the day after your procedure.

There’s a small risk of bleeding for up to two weeks after a polyp is removed. Talk to your doctor before your colonoscopy if you plan to fly within a couple of weeks post-procedure. We discourage booking any international travel by plane within two weeks after your colonoscopy. If a large polyp is removed, your doctor may recommend canceling the flight.