Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a test to check inside your bowels [1]. A long, thin, flexible tube with a small camera on the end, called a colonoscope, is gently passed in through your bottom to give a clear view of the large bowel [1].

A colonoscopy can help find the cause of bowel symptoms such as bleeding, tummy pain, or a change in your normal bowel habits [1]. It is also used in bowel cancer screening and to keep an eye on people who have a higher risk of bowel problems [1].

Your bowel needs to be empty so the doctor can see clearly, so you will be given a strong laxative to take beforehand and instructions on what you can eat and drink in the days leading up to the test [1]. It is normal to spend a lot of time on the toilet after taking it [1].

You are usually awake during a colonoscopy, but you can be offered medicine to help you relax and feel more comfortable [1]. The test itself typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes [1]. If the doctor sees small growths called polyps, these can often be removed during the same procedure, and small samples (biopsies) may be taken for testing [1].

The doctor may be able to tell you some findings soon after the test, but if biopsies or polyps were taken these are sent to a laboratory and the full results can take a couple of weeks [1].

A colonoscopy is generally a safe test, but as with any procedure there are some small risks, including bleeding or, very rarely, a small tear in the bowel wall [1]. Your care team will explain these before you agree to the test [1].