Colonoscopies (2024)

FAQs

Colonoscopies? ›

A colonoscopy is a procedure that lets your health care provider check the inside of your entire colon (large intestine). The procedure is done using a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope. The tube has a light and a tiny camera on one end.

Screening Recommendations

Regular screening, beginning at age 45, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer and finding it early.

A colonoscopy (koe-lun-OS-kuh-pee) is an exam used to look for changes — such as swollen, irritated tissues, polyps or cancer — in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum.

There's no upper age limit for colon cancer screening. But most medical organizations in the United States agree that the benefits of screening decline after age 75 for most people and there's little evidence to support continuing screening after age 85. Discuss colon cancer screening with your health care provider.

Everyone's experience is different, but you can rest assured that the colonoscopy itself is painless. You will receive anesthesia so that you don't feel pain or remember the procedure. Most centers use medications that stop working quickly. That means you shouldn't feel any lingering side effects.

Almost all colonoscopies in the United States are performed with patients under a level of sedation or anesthesia that prevents them from feeling anything. Often, patients are asleep for the entire procedure.

In fact, most patients feel up to returning to normal activities within 24 hours. It's highly recommended that patients take it easy with scheduled activities for the first week after to allow enough time to get back to normal, especially if your doctor found and removed polyps during the procedure.

In general, they instruct you to: Avoid colored liquids and all solid foods for 12 to 24 hours before your test. Stop eating and drinking altogether by midnight on the day of your appointment. Take a pill or liquid laxative.

Why do people refuse colonoscopies? ›

“Most often, people express anxiety or fear about getting a colonoscopy. They've heard that the prep is difficult and are afraid the procedure will be painful.” Other reasons people may give for delaying a colonoscopy include: I don't have a family history of colon cancer so I'm not at risk.

Virtual colonoscopy requires the same preparation as standard colonoscopy. You must undergo laxative cleansing and a liquid diet for 24 hours prior to the scan. The procedure involves placing a small tube — compared to a 6-foot scope used in standard colonoscopy — in the rectum to inflate the colon.

In addition to helping doctors locate the source of LGIB, an urgent colonoscopy also can help them detect health conditions such as: colorectal cancer. polyps (precancerous growths) tumors or other abnormal growths.

Does it hurt to poop after a colonoscopy? If a doctor removed polyps during surgery, people may experience some discomfort and a small amount blood in stools that decreases over time after a colonoscopy.

Most people stop moving their bowels about 2 – 3 hours after finishing the solution. People are different and some have liquid movements until the time of the procedure. The instrument used during the colonoscopy will suction out any liquid left in the bowel. You will not have an “accident” during the procedure.

Colonoscopy (koh-luh-NAH-skuh-pee) lets the physician look inside your entire large intestine, from the lowest part, the rectum, all the way up through the colon to the lower end of the small intestine. The procedure is used as a tool for routine colon cancer screening and prevention in people beginning at age 45.

Colorectal cancer screening isn't recommended until age 45 for most people.

Most people should get a colonoscopy at least once every 10 years after they turn 50. You may need to get one every 5 years after you turn 60 if your risk of cancer increases. Once you turn 75 (or 80, in some cases), a doctor may recommend that you no longer get colonoscopies.

Is there anyone who should not have the procedure? Colonoscopy is not recommended in pregnant patients, patients 75 years or older, patients with limited life expectancy, or in patients with severe medical problems making them high risk for sedation.

Updated: April 30, 2024.] Women who are at average risk for breast cancer should start mammogram screening at age 40 and get one every two years until age 74.