Patient Education

What is a Colonoscopy?



The colon is full of turns and bends which makes it difficult to examine. For this reason, doctors rely on a procedure called a colonoscopy. In this procedure, a doctor directly inspects the inside of the colon, using a long, thin, flexible instrument called a colonoscope. Colonoscopy is proven to be the best way to completely view the entire colon and diagnose colon and rectum problems. During the procedure, the colonoscope is gently inserted through the rectum up into the colon. The colonoscope is connected to a video camera and video display monitor so the doctor can closely examine the inside of the colon.



The lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract consists of the small intestine and the large intestine (also called the colon or bowel), and is mainly responsible for completing the digestion process. Nutrients are taken from food in the small intestine, and the indigestible portion passes into the colon, a 6-foot-long tube that ends at the rectum. The colon forms the waste into solid stool and stores it until it is voluntarily evacuated.


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