“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Colonoscopy is a medical procedure that allows a healthcare provider to examine the inside of the colon (large intestine) using a long, flexible tube with a camera and light on the end called a colonoscope. The procedure is performed to detect and diagnose various conditions of the colon and rectum, such as colon cancer, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, and other abnormalities.
The colonoscopy procedure involves the following steps:
After the procedure, the patient is monitored until they are alert enough to go home. It is normal to experience some bloating or cramping after the procedure, but these symptoms usually subside within a few hours. Any biopsy or polyp samples taken during the procedure will be analyzed, and the patient will be informed of the results.
Colonoscopy is an important tool for detecting and preventing colon cancer and other colon-related conditions. It is recommended that individuals begin regular colon cancer screenings at age 50, or earlier if they have a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors. It is important to follow all preparation instructions and discuss any questions or concerns with a healthcare provider before the procedure.