A colonoscopy is a safe, effective way to investigate bowel symptoms such as diarrhoea, blood in the stool or unexplained anaemia. Using a thin, flexible camera, doctors can carefully examine the lining of your colon to detect or rule out conditions such as polyps, inflammation or tumours. In many cases, treatment such as removing polyps, stopping bleeding or treating narrowings (strictures) in the bowel can be carried out at the same time, helping protect your future bowel health.
To ensure clear results, your bowel needs to be empty. This usually means avoiding solid food for around 12 hours before the procedure and taking a strong laxative the day before. You can drink clear fluids, such as water or black tea and coffee, up to two hours before your appointment. Your doctor will provide clear instructions to help you prepare and make sure you’re comfortable.
If you’re taking blood thinning medications such as aspirin, clopidogrel or warfarin, this may prevent us performing some procedures during a colonoscopy. Please tell us if you are taking these drugs, as you may need to temporarily stop the course, or adjust your dose up to one week before your procedure.
A colonoscopy is usually performed as an outpatient procedure with a light sedative. A small cannula is placed into a vein in your hand or arm so that sedatives and pain relief can be given. You’ll need to lie on your left side with your knees drawn up, and your doctor will carefully pass the colonoscope through the colon. Carbon dioxide gas is used to gently expand the bowel, giving a clear view - this may cause some temporary bloating.
Some patients find the test unpleasant rather than painful. We can administer a sedative, painkiller and muscle relaxant to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed. You’ll still be aware of what’s happening, and your doctor will talk you through the process to keep you at ease.
If you’ve had sedation, you’ll need someone to take you home, as you won’t be able to drive or go home on your own. We will also advise you not to work or do strenuous activities until the next day. You may feel bloated for a short time, but this usually passes quickly. We’ll arrange a follow-up appointment with you to discuss the results of your colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy is considered a very safe procedure. In rare cases, complications such as bleeding or a perforation of the bowel can occur. These risks will be explained to you before the procedure, and you’ll have the opportunity to talk to us about your concerns beforehand.
By detecting and sometimes treating problems early with a colonoscopy, we can help prevent more serious disease in the future and give you clear answers about your current bowel health.
A colonoscopy can help identify:
Blood tests for markers of liver fibrosis, which help assess your liver health and detect scarring early.
A procedure that allows us to visually inspect your digestive tract to diagnose and monitor gastrointestinal conditions.
A specialised procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the bile and pancreatic ducts.