Understanding colonoscopy

Your letter will advise you on what you can eat and drink 2 days before the procedure. This often suggests eating plain food such as rice, plain cooked chicken, and eggs.  

The day before your colonoscopy you will be given laxatives to take. These will empty out your bowels so that your consultant has a clear view.

You will experience diarrhea after taking the laxatives so make sure you are near a toilet.  

We understand that this procedure may be daunting for you, but don’t worry our medical staff will carefully look after you.  

• You may be offered a sedative before the procedure which will be given through a small plastic tube placed in your vein in the back of your hand.
• The procedure will take 30-45 minutes and uses a lubrication to make it quick and painless. 
• A thin, flexible tube with a small camera inside will be placed in your anus. Air will then be passed through the tube into your bowels. This is done to make the lining easier to see.
• You may experience a feeling similar to having trapped wind or may feel you need to toilet. Don’t worry about this, it is very normal and the staff will be expecting it.
• The endoscopist will then look for problems in your bowels.
• You may be asked to change positions during the procedure in order to get a better view of different areas of your colon.
• Any growths (polyps) on your bowels will be removed or samples will be taken if necessary (a biopsy). This will be painless.
• The colonoscopy is then removed quickly and easily.
• You will then be safely taken to the recovery room where you will be monitored until you are ready to go home.  

You may feel a bit bloated and experience wind pains after the surgery. These will not last long. 

If a biopsy has been taken or a polyp has been removed then you may experience bleeding from your anus. This is normal so it is nothing to worry about.  

You will be able to return to work the following day. 

If you have any of the following symptoms after surgery please call us straight away and we will help you with the next steps: 

• Heavy bleeding from your anus
• A fever or high temperature  
• Abdominal pains which are getting worse and are ongoing.  

Your consultant or a member of the medical staff will discuss your results with you after the procedure and will advise you on what needs to happen next.  

Normal results 

• This will mean that there were no polyps on cancer found in your bowels. 
• If this is the case your doctor will advise you on what to do next, this may just be to come back for a check-up in 5 years' time. 

Growths found on your bowels 

• If this is the case, your doctor will have tested them and if necessary will have removed them during the procedure  
• They may suggest you need further treatment or perhaps just a check-up 

Bowel cancer 

• If your results detect bowel cancer you will immediately be seen by a cancer specialist for treatment as soon as possible.  

 An alternative bowel condition 

• If this is the case you will be advised for further treatment.

 We will be with you every step of the way, even when you have left the hospital. We will be available to ask any questions or worries you may have.