A colonoscopy is the best test for finding and removing colorectal polyps, which can become cancerous if not removed. A colonoscopy is done for a variety of reasons including screening for colon cancer, examine causes to symptoms like abdominal pain or diarrhea and to treat tissue such as placing a stent. Current guidelines recommend a screening colonoscopy starting at age 45 for those with average risk, with screening sooner if you have risk factors like a family history of colon cancer. Discuss with your physician if you have any questions.
Before the colonoscopy, your colon will need to be cleaned out in order for your physician to look for any polyps, lesions and any abnormalities. You will follow prep instructions given to by your physician before the procedure which you need to follow carefully. These instructions include following a clear liquid diet and drinking a prep solution. During the colonoscopy, you will receive IV sedation and then a flexible, lighted tube is inserted into the rectum and guided through the entire large intestine and rectum. Images of the colon are viewed on a screen and polyps that are found are removed and sent to a lab for further testing. Your physician will discuss the findings with you after the procedure. Having a colonoscopy presents with little risks but there is a possibility that you could have a reaction to the anesthesia, excess bleeding from polyp or tissue removal or perforation of the colon. These risks are minimal and the benefits largely out weight the risks. After your procedure, the physician and staff will discuss the results and restrictions, if any. You generally can resume a normal diet but you are not allowed to drive after the procedure due to anesthesia. You will need someone to drive you to and from the center. If any polyps are found, they will be sent to the lab for testing. Most polyps are not cancerous but some can be precancerous. You will be notified of your biopsy results in 1-2 weeks.
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Reference: Mayo Clinic. 2024. Colonoscopy. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/colonoscopy/about/pac-20393569
