Overview

A colonoscopy examines the entire large bowel (colon and rectum) using a flexible tube with a camera, passed through the back passage. It is considered the gold-standard test for detecting bowel polyps and early bowel cancer, and has the advantage that any polyps found can usually be removed during the same procedure, before they have a chance to develop into cancer.

Common reasons for a colonoscopy

• Bowel cancer screening — generally recommended from age 45–50, or earlier with a family history or genetic risk
• A change in bowel habit, rectal bleeding, or unexplained abdominal pain
• Unexplained anaemia or weight loss
• Follow-up after previous polyps, or monitoring inflammatory bowel disease

What to expect at A Bit of Life Clinic

Preparation involves a bowel-clearing “prep” taken the day before, using a prescribed laxative solution and a clear-fluid diet, so the bowel lining can be seen clearly. On the day, you’ll have sedation through a vein so you’re comfortable and generally won’t remember the procedure, which typically takes 20–45 minutes. Any polyps found are usually removed and sent for testing during the same visit. You’ll rest in recovery afterwards and need someone to drive you home. Most people are back to normal within a day, and results — including any biopsy or polyp results — are explained clearly, along with when your next screening should be.