A colonoscopy is the examination of the entire colon or large intestine using a colonoscopy. This is a special
fiber optic instrument, which can be inserted through the anus and guided through the bowel to allow direct visualization
of the inside of the bowel.
A colonoscopy is most often used to examine the colon when a person has evidence of blood in the stool, either noticed
by the patient or on testing of a stool sample. Colonoscopy is an excellent way to screen for colon cancer which is
recommended for men and women at age 50 and up. Diseases such as colitis and diverticulitis can also be diagnosed.
Biopsies of abnormal areas can be taken and small benign growths called polys can be removed.
To prepare for this examination you are required to have a clear liquid diet the morning before the procedure.
Then you must drink one gallon of golytely laxative over a 2 to 3 hour period the afternoon prior to the exam.
