Colonoscopy

Overview

A colonoscopy detects inflammation, ulcers, and polyps in the large intestine, or colon. The recommended age to start screening for colorectal cancer is 45. 

During a colonoscopy, your doctor looks at the entire length of the colon and rectum with a colonoscope, a flexible tube about the width of a finger with a light and small video camera on the end. This process is not painful because we administer light sedation to our patients.

If the colonoscopy reveals polyps or suspicious growths, your doctor will remove these during the procedure. A colonoscopy can help prevent cancer by allowing polyps to be removed immediately upon detection before they have had a chance to grow.

GI Genius™ colonoscopy

In 2024, Cincinnati GI began offering AI-assisted colonoscopies and was the first in our region to do so. The GI Genius colonoscopy uses artificial intelligence to help detect colorectal polyps that may otherwise be missed during a colonoscopy. 

The use of the GI Genius colonoscopy will not affect how you prep for your procedure, but it does give your doctor an ever-vigilant second observer to better view your colon. 

If you are interested in an AI-assisted colonoscopy, be sure to ask when scheduling. 

Should I have a colonoscopy?

45 is the new 50. If you are 45 years or older, you should talk to your doctor about scheduling a colonoscopy. If no polyps were found during your colonoscopy, you typically won’t need another one for another 10 years. However, if you have other risk factors, you may be advised to have one sooner or more often. 

When colorectal cancer is found at an early stage before it has spread, the 5-year relative survival rate is about 90%. Unfortunately, only about 4 out of 10 colorectal cancers are found at this early stage. When cancer has spread outside the colon or rectum, survival rates are lower.

Preparation

To prepare for your colonoscopy, you will need to fully empty your colon by:

  • Avoiding fibrous fruits and vegetables, nuts, and seeds for 3-7 days prior to the procedure. Your doctor will give you specific instructions. 
  • Fasting, by limiting nutrients primarily to clear liquids and broth.
  • Following the instructions in the preparation kit your doctor prescribes. This process will empty your bowels completely over the course of several hours. Carefully following the instructions your doctor provides on when to take the medicine depending on the time of your colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy prep has come a long way. Read our blog, Dispelling myths about colonoscopy preparation.

Download Colonoscopy Prep Supplemental Instructions  

Procedure

  • A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure, but you will require a ride home due to the sedation.
  • A colonoscopy typically takes 15-20 minutes after sedation takes effect. 
  • You will remain in the care of medical staff until the sedative wears off. 
  • Your doctor will review the initial results with you, letting you know if polyps or anything else unusual was found. If a biopsy is ordered, results typically take a week to come back.
  • Typically, you will not have any symptoms post procedure, but may have cramping, gas, and bloating, which are normal side effects. 
  • You should be expected to be able to resume a normal diet after the procedure.

Conditions treated or diagnosed by this procedure:

Resources

The following resources may be helpful:

The Value of a Colonoscopy – English

The Value of a Colonoscopy – Spanish

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