PROCEDURES - Colonoscopy Expectations

The scheduling office will call you the day before the procedure to confirm your exact time. Because of cancellations, times cannot be confirmed far in advance. Plan on arriving at the surgical center about 45 minutes before the procedure. Click for directions on how to get to the center.

Upon arrival at the center, you will sign in the reception area. Although coffee and snacks are available, do not eat or drink anything! All pre-menopausal women are required to take a urine pregnancy test prior to their procedure so, if you do have to go, have the nurse get you a specimen cup so you won't have to go twice.

You will then be led to the pre-procedure area. There you meet the anesthesiologist, who reviews your medical history and explains how the sedation works. You change your clothes and put on a hospital gown and a robe. An IV line is then inserted into your arm - through this line you will eventually get the sedative. The nurse then leads you into the procedure room, where you lie down on a bed. You will be given the medication through your IV and gradually fall asleep. Since the procedure does not begin until after you are asleep, you will not feel any discomfort during the procedure.

During the procedure, a thin flexible tube called a colonoscope is gently inserted into your rectum. The colonoscope has a camera on the end of it, allowing it to be guided through the colon. The doctor will examine the colon, and look for small growths called polyps, or for causes of diarrhea or bleeding. He or she can take pictures, biopsies, inject medication or do whatever else is needed. If polyps are seen, they are typically removed during the procedure. The colonoscope is then slowly withdrawn. The procedure itself takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Again, since you are asleep you will feel no discomfort.

After the procedure is over, patients are taken to the recovery area. The sedation wears off quickly, so within 15 minutes you are awake and walking. The nurse will offer you a light snack of juice and crackers. Once you are fully awake your doctor will speak with you and review the results of your procedure. You and your family member will be able to ask any questions you may have. You can then go home. Generally, your diet is not restricted after the procedure.

Patients typically feel quite well after the procedure. If you develop fever, bleeding or abdominal pain once you are home you should contact your doctor.