What is a colonoscopy and why do I need one?

Image "colon" used with permission by jec (2012)

http://www.clker.com/clipart-colon.html

A screening colonsocopy is done to examine the colon, which is 4 to 6 feet long. The reason the exam is done is to find and remove polyps, which are abnormal growths of tissue, before a polyp grows into cancer.

Not to worry! You will be sedated so that you are comfortable during the procedure. You may have a combination of drugs, such as fentanyl or versed, administered by a nurse under the direction of the physician. Or you may have an anesthesiologist present to give you propofol. Either way, more than likely you will quickly drift off to sleep and awaken in the recovery area astonished that your procedure is over.

Some people prefer to have their exam done without sedation of any kind. Although this is possible it is not highly recommended. During the exam the physician must insert air via the scope which may be experienced as very painful abdominal cramping.

Recovery generally takes about a half hour or so depending on how quickly you awaken, what your vital signs are like such as your blood pressure, breathing, heart rate and rythm, and your level of comfort.

http://www.cancer.org/healthy/findcancerearly/examandtestdescriptions/faq-colonoscopy-and-sigmoidoscopy