WE ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING
COLONOSCOPY
IN A COMFORTABLE AND ACCESSIBLE ENVIRONMENT
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows your gastroenterologist to inspect the rectum, colon, and very end of the small intestine (the terminal ileum). This is achieved using a long, flexible video camera inserted through the anal canal and into the colon. A light source and insufflation of gas allows the gut to be expanded and the surface visualised. Generally, you are sedated with anaesthetic medications for a colonoscopy.
This procedure can diagnose problems such as polyps, cancers, diverticular disease, inflammation, or causes of bleeding. During the colonoscopy, your gastroenterologist will also be able to take biopsies, or removed polyps if they are identified. Polyps are pre-cancerous growths, and so removing them whenever they are found is an important means of reducing your risk of developing bowel cancer.
As part of your colonoscopy preparation, you will need to follow a modified diet for a few days, and then take a potent laxative agent (called ‘bowel prep’) the day prior to/morning of your procedure. The specific details of this preparation will be provided to you before your procedure.
A colonoscopy is relatively safe and well tolerated, though does come with a small risk of very rare complications, including bleeding, perforation of the gut, or anaesthetic complications. Your doctor will discuss these risks with you, and answer any questions you might have prior to your
procedure.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any other questions or concerns about your upcoming procedure, and we would be very happy to assist.