Colonoscopy

During this procedure, a colonoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light on the end) is guided up the rectum and the colon under sedation. This is used to perform a thorough examination of the inside of the entire colon. We can remove colon polyps and/or take biopsies to diagnose any abnormalities. Of any form of colorectal cancer screening, colonoscopy has the best sensitivity for finding colon polyps and can prevent colon cancer by removing those precancerous polyps during the procedure. For an optimal exam, the colon must be cleaned out with a colon prep before the procedure. In addition to colorectal cancer screening, we use colonoscopy to diagnose colonic disorders such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and microscopic colitis, and also to look for causes of rectal bleeding.