A colonoscopy is a procedure that lets a gastroenterologist examine the entire lining of the colon and rectum using a thin, flexible camera. It is the most effective way to screen for colorectal cancer because it can both find and remove precancerous polyps in a single exam. At Orlando Gastroenterology, our board-certified gastroenterologists perform screening and diagnostic colonoscopies at four locations across Orlando, Clermont, Kissimmee, and East Orlando.
A colonoscopy is an outpatient exam in which your gastroenterologist uses a colonoscope — a long, flexible tube with a light and camera — to view the inside of your large intestine (colon) and rectum on a monitor. You are sedated and comfortable throughout. If the physician finds polyps (small growths that can become cancerous), they can usually remove them during the same procedure, and can take small tissue samples (biopsies) if needed.
Colonoscopies are done for two main reasons: screening and diagnosis. Screening colonoscopies check for colorectal cancer and polyps in people who have no symptoms — the goal is prevention and early detection. Diagnostic colonoscopies help find the cause of symptoms such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, ongoing abdominal pain, unexplained anemia, or chronic diarrhea. Your provider will recommend the right type based on your history and risk.
For people at average risk, most guidelines now recommend beginning colorectal cancer screening at age 45. You may need to start earlier — and be screened more often — if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain genetic conditions. Our gastroenterologists help you determine the right starting age and interval for your situation.
A clean colon is essential for an accurate exam, so preparation is important. Your provider will give you specific instructions, which typically include following a clear-liquid diet the day before your procedure and drinking a prescribed bowel-prep solution that empties the colon. You will also receive guidance on adjusting certain medications. Following the prep instructions closely is the single most important thing you can do to ensure a thorough, accurate colonoscopy.
On the day of your colonoscopy, you will receive sedation to keep you comfortable, and the exam itself usually takes about 20 to 45 minutes. The physician carefully examines the colon lining, removes any polyps, and takes biopsies if necessary. Afterward, you rest in recovery as the sedation wears off, and because of the sedation you will need someone to drive you home. Most people resume normal activities the next day. Your gastroenterologist will review the findings and, if polyps were removed, let you know when your next colonoscopy should be scheduled.
Colonoscopy is one of the most frequently performed procedures in medicine and it is very safe. No procedure is completely risk-free, though, and you are entitled to the actual numbers rather than reassurance.
Serious complications are uncommon. Perforation of the colon wall occurs in roughly one in every 1,000 to 3,000 screening colonoscopies. Bleeding is somewhat more common and is usually linked to removing a large polyp; it most often stops on its own or is controlled during the procedure itself. Reactions to sedation are rare, and reviewing your medications and medical history beforehand is how we keep them that way.
Weighed against that, colonoscopy is the only screening test that both detects and prevents colorectal cancer in the same visit, because polyps are removed as they are found.
Mild bloating and light spotting for a day afterwards are normal. Call us straight away if you develop severe abdominal pain, a fever, or heavy rectal bleeding.
Most patients tell us afterwards that the anticipation was harder than the day itself.
Two things usually help. The first is that the prep has genuinely improved: lower-volume preparations and split dosing are far better tolerated than the regimens people remember from years ago, and if you have struggled with a prep before, tell us — we can often change it. The second is that you will be sedated for the procedure, monitored throughout, and most patients have no memory of it at all.
Plan for a quiet day. You will need someone to drive you home, you should not work or make significant decisions for the rest of the day, and nearly everyone is back to normal by the next morning.
If a bad experience in the past is what has kept you from scheduling, say so when you book — it changes how we plan your care. If you would rather talk it through before committing to a procedure, start with a gastroenterology consultation instead.
Yes. Eligible, generally healthy patients can schedule a screening colonoscopy through our direct-access program — without a preliminary office visit first. This saves time for those who qualify. Contact our office to find out whether direct-access colonoscopy is right for you.
No. You receive sedation that keeps you comfortable and relaxed during the exam, and most people do not remember the procedure. Any mild bloating or gas afterward usually passes quickly.
For average-risk patients with a normal result, screening is typically repeated every 10 years. If polyps are found or you have higher risk factors, your gastroenterologist will recommend a shorter interval — often 3 to 5 years.
The procedure itself usually takes about 20 to 45 minutes. Plan for a few hours at the facility overall to allow for preparation and recovery from sedation.
Stool-based tests (like FIT or Cologuard) can detect signs of cancer but cannot remove polyps — an abnormal result still requires a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy both detects and removes polyps in one exam, which is why it is considered the gold-standard screening.
External Citation: CDC — Colorectal Cancer Screening
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sri Pothamsetty, MD, AGAF
Related: Colon Cancer Screening · Colon Polyps · Direct-Access Colonoscopy
Our locations: Orlando (MetroWest) · Clermont · Kissimmee · East Orlando
