The actual procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. Registration, pre-operative and post-operative care will keep you in the facility for approximately 2 hours. Please watch a video from American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy for an overview of what you can expect during a colonoscopy procedure.
Sedation will be given before and during your procedure to help you relax and make you sleepy. You will lie on your left side as a flexible tube is inserted into your anus and slowly advanced into the rectum and colon. The procedure will cause you little to no discomfort. Please watch a video from American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy for an overview of what you can expect during a colonoscopy procedure.
No, a colonoscopy is usually not painful! Almost all colonoscopies can be performed using “intravenous sedation” or “twilight sedation” in which you are very drowsy, but comfortable and still breathing on your own. The most common type of sedation also has a mild amnesic effect, so most patients do not even remember the procedure.
A polyp is an abnormal growth found in the colon lining. They vary in size and shape, and while most are benign (non-cancerous), some may turn into cancer. It is important to remove pre-cancerous polyps as a preventative measure for colorectal cancer. Very small polyps may be totally destroyed by fulguration (burning). Larger polyps are removed by a technique called snare polypectomy. A wire loop (snare) is passed through the scope and removes the polyp from the intestinal wall. This technique causes no pain to the patient.
You will be cared for in a recovery area after the procedure until most of the effects of the medication have worn off. This may take a couple of hours. You will be told how soon you can eat and drink "real" food and will be given other information to get back to your normal routine.
You are not permitted to drive for 12 hours after a colonoscopy to allow time for the sedative to wear off. You will need an adult over 18 years of age to accept responsibility for you and your driver should be present at the time of your discharge to hear any instructions.
You may be sleepy, uncomfortable, nauseated, or simply not yourself for several hours after your colonoscopy. In addition, your reflexes will be poor as a result of the sedatives that will be given to you. For this reason, you will not be able to drive (or operate heavy machinery) and you will need a driver to accompany you and make sure that you get home safely.
