Colonoscopy
A procedure used for the examination of the colon
(the lower part of the large intestine)

The Procedure:
A thin, tubular instrument with a camera at the tip is inserted through the rectum. The patient is given sedation. Tiny samples of tissue may be taken for a biopsy.

Pre-treatment:

• A preparation treatment to clean the bowel is to be taken as directed by the doctor.
• You are advised to have nothing to eat or drink after midnight the day before the procedure.
• The day of the procedure an intravenous will be placed in your arm for intravenous sedation. This medication will make you sleepy and help with the discomfort of the procedure. 

Post treatment:

• After the procedure is finished you will stay for 1 hour in an observation room.
• Your blood pressure is checked every half hour.
• After 1 hour's time you will be offered a drink and muffin.
• You are then discharged from the department. Because of the sedation you will need someone to drive you home and should not drive a car for the remainder of that day.