1. Understanding the Process for a Colonoscopy:
A colonoscopy is a procedure, performed by a medical professional, that
provides an inside look at the lining of the large intestines using a very
thin and flexible tube called a colonoscope. This procedure is most
oftentimes performed to determine if there is inflammation, rectal
bleeding, polyps, ulcers and/or tumors present in the colon. Illustrated
in the image below is the route taken by the colonoscope after entering
the rectum:
Image retrieved from: http://www.beaumont.edu/digestive-health/colorectal-disease/diagnosing-
colorectal-disease/endoscopic-procedures-for-colorectal-disease/colonoscopy/
Commonly asked questions about colonoscopies–
1). What are the instructions for pre-op?
Two days before the procedure, the patient must begin eating a low
fiber diet (no whole grains, nuts or seeds). The day before the

2. procedure, the patient must switch to a liquid diet only (broths, coffee,
tea, juice, sports drinks, water). For the evening before, the patients’
physician will likely give instructions for drinking a mixture that prepares
the bowels and triggers diarrhea.
2). Will this procedure need the use of anesthesia?
Yes. Administered and monitored by an anesthesiologist, Propofol is
generally used allowing the patient to fall into a pain-free, sleep-like
state of consciousness and awakening without feeling nauseated or
having any other lingering side-effects.
3). How much pain is there to be expected with this procedure?
This procedure is typically pain-free, however, in rare cases patients may
experience slight discomfort and bouts of gas afterwards.
4). What will the recovery process be like?
A normal diet may be implemented a while awaiting test results. The
patient should not drive and should avoid all strenuous activities. Keep
an eye out for a fever, bleeding and/or unbearable pain in at which time
a medical professional must be contacted.
Although the thought of a colonoscopy may bring upon a sense of fright,
the procedure itself is relatively safe, effective and pain-free. Most all
facilities performing the procedure are designed to make the patient
feel comfortable and employees are well-rehearsed. If a physician has
recommended for a patient to have this procedure done, orders should
be followed as there is a possibility that life-threatening conditions may,
or may not, be discovered.