Colonoscopy is a vital medical procedure used for the diagnosis and management of various colorectal conditions. It involves the insertion of a flexible, lighted tube called a colonoscope into the rectum to visualize the inner lining of the colon and rectum. Colonoscopy is performed for screening purposes to diagnose conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulosis, or gastrointestinal bleeding as well as to detect colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps.
During a colonoscopy, the physician carefully maneuvers the colonoscope through the entire length of the colon, examining the mucosal surface for abnormalities. If any suspicious lesions or polyps are identified, they can be removed or biopsied during the procedure. Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening due to its effectiveness in detecting and preventing colorectal cancer at an early stage. It is a safe and well-tolerated procedure, typically performed under sedation to ensure patient comfort. Regular colonoscopy screenings are recommended for individuals at average risk for colorectal cancer starting at age 50, or earlier for those with risk factors or family history. It is a noninvasive procedure and usually painless, where the patient is awake and allowed to talk during the procedure.