When is colonoscopy performed

That means you should not eat dried or raw fruit, seeds, nuts, whole grains, beans, brown rice or raw vegetables.

This should consist of soup broth, gelatin, coffee or tea, clear drinks, popsicles, water and juices without pulp such as apple juice. Be sure to wear loose clothing, stay near the restroom and prepare with medicated wipes to soothe your skin afterward. This guideline must be strictly followed. The tube will inflate your colon with air or carbon dioxide to provide your medical professional with a better view of your colon lining.

Simultaneously the small camera on the end of the tube will transmit photos to a monitor for the doctor to view. The procedure takes approximately 30 — 60 minutes.

In the vast majority of cases, the benefits of detecting problems and beginning treatment far outweigh the risks of complications from a colonoscopy. However, some rare complications include:. If you opt for it instead, you can avoid some of the complications associated with traditional colonoscopy.

However, it comes with its own disadvantages. For instance, it may not detect very small polyps. Your doctor will give you instructions for a bowel preparation bowel prep. You must have a clear liquid diet for 24 to 72 hours before your procedure. Make sure not to drink any liquids containing red or purple dye because they can discolor your colon.

If they can affect your colonoscopy, your doctor may tell you to stop taking them. These might include:. Your doctor may give you a laxative to take the night before your appointment. You may want to arrange for a ride home after your appointment. Most people get a sedative and pain medication through an intravenous line.

Your doctor may position you with your knees close to your chest to get a better angle to your colon. A camera on the end of the colonoscope transmits images to a monitor that your doctor will be watching. Once the colonoscope is positioned, your doctor will inflate your colon using carbon dioxide. If your doctor wasn't able to advance the scope through your entire colon, a barium enema or virtual colonoscopy may be recommended to examine the rest of your colon.

Explore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Colonoscopy Open pop-up dialog box Close.

Colonoscopy During a colonoscopy, the doctor inserts a colonoscope into your rectum to check for abnormalities in your entire colon.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Fowler GC, et al. Elsevier; Accessed April 8, Lee L, et al. Overview of colonoscopy in adults. Accessed Feb. Colorectal polyp surveillance adult. There are some differences between these tests to consider see Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests , but the most important thing is to get screened, no matter which test you choose. Talk to your health care provider about which tests might be good options for you, and to your insurance provider about your coverage.

If a person chooses to be screened with a test other than colonoscopy, any abnormal test result should be followed up with a timely colonoscopy. This includes people with:. The American Cancer Society does not have screening guidelines specifically for people at increased or high risk of colorectal cancer. These guidelines are complex and are best looked at along with your health care provider.