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Colonoscopy

Test Overview

Colonoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to look at the inner lining of your large intestine, Opens dialog (rectum and colon). Your doctor uses a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope to look at the colon. A colonoscopy helps find ulcers, Opens dialog, colon polyps, Opens dialog, tumors, and areas of inflammation or bleeding. During the test, tissue samples can be collected (biopsy, Opens dialog) and abnormal growths can be taken out. Colonoscopy can also be used as a screening test to check for cancer or precancerous growths in the colon or rectum (polyps).

A colonoscopy looks at the whole colon and the lower part of the small intestine. A test called sigmoidoscopy, Opens dialog shows only the rectum, Opens dialog and the lower part of the colon.

Before this test, you will need to clean out your colon (colon prep). Colon prep takes 1 to 2 days, depending on which type of prep your doctor recommends. Some preps may be taken the evening before the test. If your doctor ordered a split prep, you'll do part of the prep the evening before and the other part on the day of the test. Plan to stay home during your prep time since you will need to use the bathroom often. The colon prep causes loose, frequent stools and diarrhea so that your colon will be empty for the test.

Colonoscopy is one of the many tests that may be used to screen for colon cancer. Other tests include stool tests, sigmoidoscopy, Opens dialog, and CT colonography, Opens dialog. Which screening test you choose depends on what you prefer. Talk to your doctor about what puts you at risk and what test is best for you.

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Current as of: October 25, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

 

PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities because they do not comply with, nor are they condoned by, the ethics policies of our organization.