The colonoscopy can be done either in the hospital or in an outpatient department. Normally, before a colonoscopy, an access to a vein is gained. That means an intravenous line is started. Through the intravenous line sedatives and painkillers are administered.

Before the procedure, the patient is asked to get laid on his/her left side, with his/her knees drawn to the chest. The doctor wears gloves and lubricates its finger. After that, the specialist checks anus for any blockages by inserting the finger in it. Only after doctor's finger, the colonoscope, already well lubricated and thinner than an endoscope, penetrates patient's anus. The colonoscope will be gently advanced to upper segments of the colon, till the upper end of it, in the appendicular region.

Sometimes, when the colon is not well prepared for the colonoscopy, the doctor can pump some air in the colon or ask the patient to change his/her position or even press the abdominal wall. This can help the opening of the colon. Also, any remains of the stool, or any other obstacles that obstruct the viewing, can be easily sucked through a tiny aspirator, inserted through the scope.

The whole large intestine is easily examined through the colonoscopy. If there are any obstacles, such as exofitic growing tumors are found, biopsy is taken through biopsy. A small biopsy instrument is inserted in the colonoscope, reaches the suspect area, and "bites" a piece, so tissue samples are obtained. It can also be used for the treatment of polyps. After the high end of the colon is reached, the endoscope is withdrawn (slowly). The air introduced during the procedure, is allowed at this stage to escape, as it can cause pain and some unpleasant feelings. The rectum area is cleaned with tissues.

A colonoscopy can last from 30 to 120 minutes. The hardest part is the colonoscopy preparation, as the most painful one. The procedure itself does not cause pain in anyway.

To find out more on the procedure, visit the Colonoscopy Procedure blog.