Questions & Answers for Patients

❓ What is a colonoscopy?

🔍 A colonoscopy is a test that lets the doctor look inside your colon (large intestine).

The doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera to see the colon clearly.

❓ Why do doctors do a colonoscopy?

🩺 A colonoscopy helps doctors:

🔵 Find colon polyps
🎯 Look for a mass or tumor
🩸 Find the cause of bleeding
🔥 Check for IBD (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)

It can help find problems early and keep you healthy.

❓ What are colon polyps?

🔵 Colon polyps are small bumps that grow inside the colon.

Most are harmless
Some can turn into cancer over time

Doctors can remove polyps during the test.

❓ What is a colon mass?

🎯 A mass is a larger growth in the colon.

It may cause:

Bleeding
Belly pain
Changes in bowel habits

Colonoscopy helps doctors see and biopsy the mass.

❓ Why is colonoscopy used for bleeding?

🩸 Bleeding can cause:

Blood in stool
Low iron (anemia)
Feeling tired or weak

Colonoscopy helps find where the bleeding is coming from.

❓ How does colonoscopy help with IBD?

🔥 IBD causes swelling and sores in the colon.

Colonoscopy helps doctors:

See inflammation
Check ulcers
Take small samples (biopsies)
See if treatment is working

❓ How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?

📋 Preparation is very important.

You may need to:

🚫 Stop eating solid food
💧 Drink clear liquids
💊 Take bowel prep medicine to clean out stool

A clean colon helps the doctor see clearly.

❓ Will the test hurt?

😴 No. You will get medicine to help you sleep.

Most people:

Feel no pain
Remember little or nothing about the test

❓ What happens during the test?

⏱️ The test takes about 20–30 minutes.

You lie on your side
The camera checks the colon
Polyps can be removed
Samples can be taken if needed

❓ What happens after the test?

🛌 You rest until the medicine wears off.
You will need someone to drive you home.

You may feel:

A little gas or bloating
Sleepy for a short time

Your doctor will explain the results.

❓ Are there any risks?

⚠️ Colonoscopy is very safe.

Rare risks include:

Bleeding
Tear in the colon
Reaction to medicine

Your doctor will discuss risks with you.

❓ When should I call my doctor?

📞 Call if you have:

Severe belly pain
Heavy bleeding
Fever
Dizziness

✅ Key Points to Remember

✔ Colonoscopy finds problems early
✔ Polyps can be removed right away
✔ It helps diagnose bleeding and IBD
✔ Good prep makes the test better