Audience: Patients and visitors. Type: Patient Information leaflet. Topic: Endoscopy. This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about your procedure, how to prepare for the procedure and what to expect on the day of the procedure. If after reading this leaflet you have any concerns or require further explanation, please contact the Endoscopy department on the contact details provided at the end of the leaflet to discuss these with a member of the Endoscopy team.
Equally, if you are unable to attend or wish to cancel please contact the unit as soon as possible. A Colonoscopy is a test that allows the doctor to look directly at the lining of the large bowel also called the colon or large intestine , from the rectum back passage through the large bowel to the lower end of the small bowel also called the small intestine. The end of the colonoscope contains a light and conveys images to a viewing screen allowing the doctor a clear view of the bowel lining.
As well as looking at the lining, biopsies small pieces of tissue samples- for examination under microscope can be taken and polyps small protruding growths can be removed. The test is usually carried out to investigate bowel symptoms such as bleeding from the anus, changes in bowel movements, abdominal pain or abnormalities revealed by other investigations, such as barium enema.
A Colonoscopy is required to look at the lining of your bowel. For the procedure to be successful your bowel needs to be empty, this is so that the doctor or specialist nurse can pass the endoscope and see the lining of your bowel clearly. To achieve this you will need to alter your diet and take specific preparations before the procedure.
Extended bowel preparation requires a longer period of bowel preparation. You have been asked to take extended bowel preparation to help improve the success of your colonoscopy.
