Your colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is generally very safe. It gives a close-up view of your large bowel. Samples can be taken and many polyps can be removed during the examination.

Preparation clears poo so the lining can be seen clearly. Follow your own preparation and medicine instructions. Call your endoscopy team if you cannot complete them.

The team checks your preparation, health and medicines, discusses sedation and individual risks, and answers your questions before you give consent.

You usually lie on your left side with your knees bent. Monitoring is set up before any sedation. You may be helped to change position during the examination.

The scope passes through your bottom to the beginning of the colon, when possible. Sometimes the end of the small bowel is also checked.

The camera sends close-up pictures to a screen so the lining and folds can be examined carefully.

The lining is examined carefully as the scope comes back. Good preparation helps reveal small or flat changes, although no examination finds every abnormality.

Instruments pass through the scope to take biopsies or remove polyps, usually without being felt. Large or complex polyps may need another procedure.

Sometimes, small clips are placed after removing a polyp to help prevent bleeding. They usually fall off and pass naturally in your poo, without needing a procedure to remove them.

You rest in recovery. After sedation, an adult must collect you. Follow your discharge instructions about medicines, activity and driving, even if you feel awake.

Afterwards, you’ll hear the initial findings and what happens next. Tissue results come later. Your endoscopy or histology report documents the recommended treatment and follow-up.

Seek urgent advice for severe or increasing tummy pain, fever, heavy or ongoing bleeding, or persistent vomiting. Use your discharge contact details. Call 111 for collapse or severe breathing difficulty.