Colonoscopy
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a procedure used to examine the inside of your large intestine (colon and rectum) and the terminal ileum (the final part of the small intestine). It is performed to check for growths, polyps, cancers, or other bowel diseases and helps investigate symptoms such as:
Unexplained changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea, constipation, urgency, incontinence, or a sense of incomplete emptying).
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
Abdominal pain or bloating.
Screening for bowel cancer or checking for polyps, especially if you have a personal or family history.
Monitoring inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Iron deficiency and/or anaemia or a positive bowel cancer screening test (faecal occult blood test).
The procedure is performed using a colonoscope—a long, flexible tube with a camera at the tip—that provides a detailed view of the colon lining. It can also be used to:
Remove polyps (polypectomy).
Take tissue biopsies for further testing.
Stop bleeding.
Treat haemorrhoids.
Widen narrowed areas of the ileum or colon (dilation).
How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?
Bowel preparation
Proper bowel preparation is essential to ensure a clear view of the colon lining, allowing for a more accurate and complete procedure. If the bowel is not properly cleaned:
The procedure may need to be postponed or repeated.
Important findings, such as polyps or cancer, could be missed.
There may be an increased risk of complications.
Bowel preparation involves:
Low-fibre diet: Start three days before the procedure.
Clear fluid diet: Switch to only clear fluids the day before. You may continue drinking clear fluids up to 2 hours before the procedure.
Laxative medication (Plenvu® or Glycoprep®) : Take the prescribed bowel-cleansing solution to empty the bowel. I will provide detailed instructions on how to take this.
Medications:
If you take blood thinners or diabetes medications, I will provide specific instructions on how to manage them. Otherwise, you can take your regular medications with a sip of water up until to 2 hours before the procedure
What happens on the day of the procedure?
Arrive at The San at the time advised by the hospital staff (they will call the day before).
The nursing team will check you in and prepare you for the procedure.
The anaesthetist will meet with you to discuss sedation and insert an intravenous (IV) cannula in your arm.
The sedation will ensure you are asleep and comfortable during the procedure.
How long does it take?
The colonoscopy itself takes 20 to 60 minutes.
Expect to be at the hospital for 2 to 4 hours for check-in, preparation, and recovery.
What happens after the procedure?
You will be taken to the recovery area until the sedation wears off.
You may experience bloating or mild cramping due to air introduced during the procedure—this should settle within a few hours.
Once fully awake, I will discuss the findings with you and provide a written report.
If polyps are removed or biopsies are taken, results will be discussed at a follow-up appointment or via phone.
Important information about sedation
Sedation affects your reflexes, coordination, and decision-making for 24 hours. For your safety:
✅ You must be accompanied home by a responsible adult.
❌ Do NOT drive any vehicle.
❌ Do NOT operate machinery or cook.
❌ Do NOT sign legal documents or make important decisions.
❌ Do NOT drink alcohol, take recreational drugs, or smoke.
❌ Ensure an adult stays with you overnight.