Colonoscopy, in-office

Colonoscopy is an outpatient diagnostic procedure performed under sedation; it lasts less than an hour. It is performed when a detailed examination of the colon is needed or when a biopsy of the tissue of the colon must be taken to check for disease A colonoscopy is done by introducing a 1/2 inch flexible tube with a camera attached to the end of it through the anus. It is also part of the recommended colon cancer screening for adults of age 45 to 75. Bowel preparation for this procedure consists of a laxative by mouth, a liquid-only diet one day during the day before, and avoidance of high-fiber foods a few days before the examination.