Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a procedure used to inspect the large bowel (colon) and is usually done in a day facility or hospital. During a colonoscopy, a thin flexible tube called a colonoscope is carefully fed into the large intestine. A small camera on the colonoscope transmits an image to a monitor, allowing close examination of the bowel and intestinal lining.

Colonoscopy can detect polyps, inflamed tissues and cancers, such as colorectal cancer. It can help doctors diagnose unexplained changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bleeding from the bowel and weight loss.