Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is an examination of the Large Intestine (Colon, Large bowel), using a lubricated fibreoptic flexible endoscope, also known as a colonoscope.

Colonoscopy can reveal the source of any suspected bleeding, polyps, tumour growths and the potential causes of diarrhoea, constipation or abdominal pain.

In order to perform the procedure all the stored waste needs to be expelled. A drink called bowel prep is given before the procedure which will cause the colon to push out all that waste. The cleaner the bowel, the more accurate the test will be. The colonoscope is able to manoeuvre along the large intestine with the help of controls that the doctor manipulates.
 

The procedure takes about 20-30 minutes and is performed while you are asleep as a result of a sedative given by a specialist anaesthetist who will be carefully watching over you during the procedure.

Any polyps found will be removed with a device called a snare which is like a wire lasso. The lasso is placed over the polyp and the then tightened and the polyp is cut off. Some larger polyps are removed with the addition of some measured electrocautery current.