What is a Colonoscopy?

Available to Patients in Langhorne & Newtown, PA

Colonoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to visualize the inside lining of the colon (large intestine) either for diagnostic purposes if you are having a specific problem or for health maintenance purposes for colon cancer screening starting at age 50. The colonoscope is a thin flexible tube that has a light source, a video source and multiple channels that allow your doctor to simultaneously watch live video of your large intestine and take biopsies or remove polyps if necessary. In order for the exam to be performed patients receive intravenous sedation and the procedure takes between 15 to 25 minutes. There is a preparation the day before the exam that needs to be taken so that your doctor can perform the exam. Patients feel well after the procedure but cannot drive themselves home.