Description of the procedure:
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During a colonoscopy a thin flexible tube of about 1.3cm in diameter (colonoscope) is inserted through the anus into the colon, and should the need arises also to the end section of the small intestine. The test is performed while inflating the intestine in order to allow the colonoscope to pass through, while meticulously screening the folds of the colon.

The colonoscope has a tiny camera at its end and an optical fiber inside. During the examination a light is projected through the colonoscope into the digestive tract, the camera films a video which is transmitted to a screen in front of the doctor who reviews it. If an action is required such as taking a biopsy sample, polypectomy, or stopping a bleed, the doctor inserts the appropriate instrument through the colonoscope and performs the procedure while looking at the screen.

During the procedure, the patient is usually positioned on his left side with his knees tucked in. The examination is performed under sedation, meaning light-mild sedation, so that the patient does not feel the examination at all, and it will begin only after the patient is sedated. As such, throughout the examination the patient is connected to monitoring devices which allow the treating staff to monitor breathing, oxygen saturation, heart rhythm and blood pressure.

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Duration of the procedure:

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About 30 to 60 minutes.