Colonoscopy Colonoscopy
A flexible camera passed through the anus to view the whole colon.
What it can show
Polyps, inflammation, ulcers, bleeding, abnormal growths. Polyps are usually removed during the same procedure.
What it cannot show
A poorly prepared bowel hides lesions — which is why the cleansing preparation matters as much as the procedure itself.
This is the half people skip. A normal result answers one question, not every question.
Tell the staff before you start
Blood thinners · diabetes medication · kidney disease · heart disease · previous abdominal surgery.
Also bring the full list of every medicine and supplement you take. Things bought without a prescription belong on that list too.