In order to have a successful colonoscopy, you will need to take a bowel preparation.  Typically, this occurs the day prior to the procedure and the morning of the procedure.  In addition, patients will need to be on a clear liquid diet the day before the procedure and the morning of the procedure.  No solid food and no thickened liquids are allowed.  You will be given specific instructions on what is and isn’t allowed.  At the time of the colonoscopy, the colon will need to be completely clean.  This allows your surgeon to have the lowest chance possible of missing important findings.   

During your colonoscopy, you are placed on your left side down.  After sedation, the colonoscope is inserted into the anus and advanced through the remainder of your colon.  Important landmarks, such as the appendix and the ileocecal valve (junction of the colon to the small intestine), are confirmed. The colon is kept inflated with carbon dioxide during the examination to distend the walls so that small lesions are more readily identified.  If a lesion or polyp is identified, usually these can be removed with small instruments placed through the working channels on the endoscope.  The lesions are suctioned through the scope and filtered out.  They are then sent to a pathologist for evaluation.   Following complete examination, the carbon dioxide is removed and you are awakened from anesthesia.   

Afterwards, you will awaken and be discharged to home.  It is rare that you would have any discomfort following the procedure.  You will need a driver to drive you home.  You will feel normal for the rest of the day.  We do not allow driving or work following anesthesia.  After a good night’s rest, you may resume normal activities as usual the next day.

If biopsies are taken or findings that need to be discussed, you will have an appointment with Dr. Biggs scheduled for you prior to discharge.  Routine examinations are scheduled every 7-10 years.  If you have polyps or other findings, your surgeon will discuss with you when is the appropriate time to return for repeat screening.