[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"doc-seo-404536-105":3,"detail-sidebar-cat-0-en-105":81,"doc-detail-404536-en":131},{"code":4,"msg":5,"data":6},0,"ok",{"site_id":7,"language":8,"slug":9,"title":10,"keywords":11,"description":12,"schema_data":13,"social_meta":74,"head_meta":76,"extra_data":78,"updated_unix":80},105,"en","colonoscopy-fact-sheet","Colonoscopy Fact Sheet","","Colonoscopy is an examination of the lower gastrointestinal tract used to diagnose and sometimes treat bowel problems. The procedure uses a flexible scope with a video camera to inspect the colon, take biopsies, and remove polyps that may develop into cancer. Preparation requires an empty, clean bowel through diet changes, laxative bowel preparations, and increased fluids, with medication and condition updates. After deep sedation, recovery guidance includes driving and activity restrictions and urgent follow-up for warning symptoms.",{"@graph":14,"@context":73},[15,34,56],{"@type":16,"itemListElement":17},"BreadcrumbList",[18,23,27,31],{"item":19,"name":20,"@type":21,"position":22},"https://docshare.wps.com","Home","ListItem",1,{"item":24,"name":25,"@type":21,"position":26},"https://docshare.wps.com/document/","Document",2,{"item":28,"name":29,"@type":21,"position":30},"https://docshare.wps.com/document/healthcare/","Healthcare",3,{"item":32,"name":10,"@type":21,"position":33},"https://docshare.wps.com/document/colonoscopy-fact-sheet/404536/",4,{"url":32,"name":10,"@type":35,"image":36,"author":41,"headline":10,"publisher":44,"fileFormat":47,"inLanguage":8,"description":12,"dateModified":48,"datePublished":49,"encodingFormat":47,"isAccessibleForFree":50,"interactionStatistic":51},"DigitalDocument",{"url":37,"@type":38,"width":39,"height":40},"https://docshare.wps.com/thumbnails/colonoscopy-fact-sheet/404536.png","ImageObject",300,407,{"name":42,"@type":43},"Levi","Person",{"url":19,"name":45,"@type":46},"DocShare","Organization","application/pdf","2026-10-31","2026-09-27",true,{"@type":52,"interactionType":53,"userInteractionCount":55},"InteractionCounter",{"@type":54},"ViewAction",15,{"@type":57,"mainEntity":58},"FAQPage",[59,65,69],{"name":60,"@type":61,"acceptedAnswer":62},"What is a colonoscopy used for?","Question",{"text":63,"@type":64},"A colonoscopy examines the lower gastrointestinal tract to diagnose problems and, in some cases, treat them. It allows doctors to inspect the colon, take biopsies, and remove polyps.","Answer",{"name":66,"@type":61,"acceptedAnswer":67},"How should you prepare for a colonoscopy?",{"text":68,"@type":64},"Successful colonoscopy depends on emptying the bowel thoroughly. Preparation typically includes modifying your diet, using an approved bowel preparation that causes diarrhoea, and increasing your fluid intake, plus following medication instructions.",{"name":70,"@type":61,"acceptedAnswer":71},"What risks or side effects can occur after colonoscopy?",{"text":72,"@type":64},"Complications are rare, especially when performed by trained specialists. Very rarely the bowel lining may be torn, and some people may react to bowel preparation or sedation medications, causing symptoms such as headaches or vomiting.","https://schema.org",{"og:url":32,"og:type":75,"og:title":10,"og:site_name":45,"og:description":12},"article",{"robots":77,"canonical":32},"index,follow",{"doc_id":79,"site_id":7},404536,1791112231,{"code":4,"msg":82,"data":83},"success",[84,88,92,96,101,106,110,115,120,123,127],{"id":22,"doc_module":4,"doc_module_name":25,"category_name":85,"show_sort_weight":86,"slug":87},"Story & Novel",90,"story-novel",{"id":26,"doc_module":4,"doc_module_name":25,"category_name":89,"show_sort_weight":90,"slug":91},"Literature",80,"literature",{"id":33,"doc_module":4,"doc_module_name":25,"category_name":93,"show_sort_weight":94,"slug":95},"Exam",70,"exam",{"id":97,"doc_module":4,"doc_module_name":25,"category_name":98,"show_sort_weight":99,"slug":100},5,"Comic",60,"comic",{"id":102,"doc_module":4,"doc_module_name":25,"category_name":103,"show_sort_weight":104,"slug":105},6,"Technology",50,"technology",{"id":107,"doc_module":4,"doc_module_name":25,"category_name":29,"show_sort_weight":108,"slug":109},7,40,"healthcare",{"id":111,"doc_module":4,"doc_module_name":25,"category_name":112,"show_sort_weight":113,"slug":114},8,"Research & Report",30,"research-report",{"id":116,"doc_module":4,"doc_module_name":25,"category_name":117,"show_sort_weight":118,"slug":119},9,"Religion & Spirituality",20,"religion-spirituality",{"id":118,"doc_module":4,"doc_module_name":25,"category_name":121,"show_sort_weight":118,"slug":122},"World Cup","world-cup",{"id":124,"doc_module":4,"doc_module_name":25,"category_name":125,"show_sort_weight":124,"slug":126},10,"Lifestyle","lifestyle",{"id":128,"doc_module":4,"doc_module_name":25,"category_name":129,"show_sort_weight":97,"slug":130},19,"General","general",{"code":4,"msg":82,"data":132},{"doc_id":79,"user_id":133,"nickname":42,"user_avatar":134,"doc_module":4,"category_id":107,"category_name":29,"doc_title":10,"doc_description":12,"doc_content":135,"file_id":136,"file_url":137,"file_type":138,"file_size":139,"view_count":55,"is_deleted":4,"is_public":22,"is_downloadable":22,"audit_status":22,"page_count":26,"language":140,"language_code":8,"site_id":7,"html_lang":8,"table_of_contents":141,"faqs":142,"seo_title":143,"seo_description":12,"update_tm":144,"read_time":97,"preview_page_count":4},7971461740909,"https://ap-avatar.wpscdn.com/davatar_155a257f0dc6eb9ab79c44ca47cae57d","COLONOSCOPY FACT SHEET  \nWhat is colonoscopy?  \nA colonoscopy (scope) is the examination of the lower gastrointestinal tract to diagnose, and in some cases, treat problems. This procedure involves passing a colonoscope – a long, thin flexible tube with a ‘video camera’ at the tip – through the rectum into the colon (large intestine, large bowel) . It allows the doctor to inspect the colon and to perform specialised procedures such as taking biopsies for pathology and removal of polyps (abnormal growths which sometimes develop into cancer) .  \nWhy have a colonoscopy?  \nColonoscopy 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. In some individuals with a family history of colon cancer, it may be an appropriate test and may even help to prevent colon cancer.  \nHow do I prepare for colonoscopy?  \nFor a colonoscopy to be successful, it is essential to empty the bowel thoroughly of all waste material. This is done by taking a bowel preparation that will cause diarrhoea (see below) . If the colon is not clean, the doctor may not be able to examine the bowel lining properly, and you may have to return for another procedure.  \nA complete bowel preparation consists of:  \n1. Modifying your diet  \nThis may involve a special diet for several days prior to the colonoscopy. It is generally advised that you avoid foods containing seeds and grains for several days before the test because they can block the suction channel of the instrument.  \n2. Taking a bowel preparation  \nThere are several bowel preparations (laxatives that cause diarrhoea and empty the colon) . Depending on your medical condition, your doctor will recommend the right one for you.  \nA complete bowel preparation is essential for an accurate and safe colonoscopy. Please follow exactly the bowel preparation instructions.  \n3. Increasing your fluid intake  \nSpecific instructions will be given to you by your doctor.  \nYou should inform the doctor of all medical conditions and any medications, vitamins or supplements taken regularly. Iron supplements are generally stopped a week before the procedure.  \nHow is colonoscopy performed?  \nSedation  \nFor the procedure deep sedation is usually given. You may be vaguely aware of what is going on in the room, but generally you will have little recollection of the procedure. The doctor and medical staff will monitor your breathing, pulse and blood pressure during the procedure and will make you comfortable.  \nA colonoscopy usually takes between 20 and 45 minutes.  \nExamination of the bowel  \nOnce you are sedated and lying on your left side, the doctor passes the instrument through the anus and into the colon. A small camera in the end of the scope transmits a video image to a monitor, allowing the doctor to examine the intestinal lining.  \nOnce the scope has reached the point where the small intestine joins the colon, it is withdrawn carefully and the lining of the colon is examined again.  \nRemoval of polyps and biopsy  \nA polyp is a small tissue growth on the bowel wall. They are common and are usually harmless, but a small proportion of them will develop into cancer. Removing them is an effective way of preventing cancer.  \nSmall tissue samples (biopsies) of the colon may also be taken for examination under a microscope for signs of disease.  \nFollowing the procedure you will remain in the recovery area for an hour or two until the sedation wears off. You will usually be given something to eat and drink once you are fully awake.  \nYou may feel a little bloated due to the air that is used to inflate the colon to allow adequate inspection of the lining. It generally passes within an hour or two.  \nRarely you may pass a small amount of blood. This is often due to the samples that have been taken and should settle.  \nCOLONOSCOPY FACT SHEET  \nBecause of the sedation given during the procedure,","cbCaimPM1VXPL7Va","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaimPM1VXPL7Va","pdf",491155,"English","# What is colonoscopy?\n# Why have a colonoscopy?\n# How do I prepare for colonoscopy?\n# How is colonoscopy performed?\n## Sedation\n## Examination of the bowel\n## Removal of polyps and biopsy\n# Are there any risks or side effects?\n# How accurate is a colonoscopy?","[{\"question\":\"What is a colonoscopy used for?\",\"answer\":\"A colonoscopy examines the lower gastrointestinal tract to diagnose problems and, in some cases, treat them. It allows doctors to inspect the colon, take biopsies, and remove polyps.\"},{\"question\":\"How should you prepare for a colonoscopy?\",\"answer\":\"Successful colonoscopy depends on emptying the bowel thoroughly. Preparation typically includes modifying your diet, using an approved bowel preparation that causes diarrhoea, and increasing your fluid intake, plus following medication instructions.\"},{\"question\":\"What risks or side effects can occur after colonoscopy?\",\"answer\":\"Complications are rare, especially when performed by trained specialists. Very rarely the bowel lining may be torn, and some people may react to bowel preparation or sedation medications, causing symptoms such as headaches or vomiting.\"}]","Colonoscopy Fact Sheet | PDF",1790548740]