Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is an examination of the whole large bowel with a flexible camera passed through the back passage. At Elite Gastro and Liver Clinic it is done under sedation to investigate bleeding, pain or changed bowel habits, to screen for colorectal cancer, and to remove polyps during the same procedure.
At a glance
- Typical duration
- 30–45 minutes
- Sedation
- Yes, for comfort
- Bowel preparation
- Clear-liquid diet and a prescribed laxative the day before
- Going home
- Same day, with someone to accompany you
What it involves
Colonoscopy is the most complete test of the colon and rectum. It finds polyps, inflammation, ulcers, narrowing and tumours, and it allows biopsies and polyp removal without a separate procedure.
Most bowel cancers grow from polyps over several years. Finding and removing polyps early is one of the most effective ways to prevent colorectal cancer.
When it is recommended
- Blood in the stool or bleeding from the back passage
- A lasting change in bowel habit: constipation, diarrhoea or both
- Unexplained anaemia, weight loss or abdominal pain
- Suspected or known inflammatory bowel disease
- Screening, particularly with a family history of bowel cancer
- Follow-up after previous polyp removal
How to prepare
The clinic gives you written instructions when you book. In general:
- Follow the low-fibre diet and clear-liquid instructions given at booking.
- Take the bowel-cleansing solution exactly as prescribed. A clean bowel is the single biggest factor in an accurate test.
- Tell us about blood thinners, iron tablets and diabetes medicine in advance.
- Arrange for someone to take you home after sedation.
After the procedure
- Bloating or wind for a few hours is normal.
- You can usually eat normally the same evening.
- Contact the clinic urgently if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain or fever.
Questions patients ask
Can I eat the day before a colonoscopy?
You will usually have a light, low-fibre breakfast and then only clear liquids for the rest of the day while taking the bowel preparation. The clinic gives you a written schedule when you book.
Will I be awake?
Colonoscopy is done under sedation, so most patients are drowsy and comfortable and remember little of it.
What happens if a polyp is found?
Most polyps are removed during the same colonoscopy and sent for testing. You will not usually need a second procedure.
Related care
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)Recurring abdominal pain with constipation, diarrhoea or bloating, without visible damage to the bowel.
- IBD clinicCrohn's disease and ulcerative colitis: diagnosis, flare control and long-term remission.
- PolypectomyRemoval of polyps from the colon or stomach to prevent bleeding and cancer.
- SigmoidoscopyA shorter camera test of the rectum and lower colon, usually without full sedation.
Ask about Colonoscopy
Book a consultation to find out whether this procedure is right for you.