Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy involves passing a thin, flexible tube (colonoscope) through the rectum and around the colon.

The colonoscope has a light and tiny camera at its tip, allowing your specialist to carefully examine the lining of the bowel.

During the procedure, the specialist can also:

• Remove polyps (small growths)

• Take tissue samples (biopsies)

• Treat certain conditions if required

Removing polyps can help prevent bowel cancer from developing.

If a large polyp is removed, there is a small risk of bleeding afterwards. For this reason, we recommend avoiding overseas travel for two weeks following your procedure.

Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy to investigate symptoms such as:

• Rectal bleeding

• Persistent diarrhoea or constipation

• Changes in bowel habits

• Abdominal pain

• Unexplained anaemia

• Unintentional weight loss

It may also be used for bowel cancer screening or to monitor existing bowel conditions.

Preparation for colonoscopy involves clearing the bowel so the lining can be seen clearly.

This usually includes:

• Following a low-fibre diet for several days beforehand

• Taking laxatives and a bowel preparation solution as instructed (no prescription is required)

• Fasting before the procedure

• Adjusting certain medications if advised by your specialist or clinical team

You will receive detailed written instructions specific to your appointment.

Careful preparation is essential for an accurate and safe examination.

When you arrive, our team will guide you through the admission process.

A nurse will:

• Review your medical history

• Confirm your medications and allergies

• Check your preparation

• Explain the procedure and answer any questions

• Prepare you for the procedure

You will change into a gown before being taken into the procedure room.

You will be positioned comfortably.

Sedation is usually given through a vein to help you feel relaxed throughout the procedure.

The colonoscope is gently guided through the bowel while the specialist carefully examines the lining.

Most colonoscopy procedures take around 30 minutes, although your total time at the clinic will typically be 2–3 hours including preparation and recovery.

Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how straightforward the procedure is.

Most patients experience little or no pain due to sedation.

You may feel some pressure or mild cramping as the scope moves through the bowel, but this is usually brief.

Many patients remember very little of the procedure afterwards.

Following the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery area to rest while the sedation wears off.

When you are awake:

• Your specialist will explain the initial findings

• You will receive a written summary

• A report will be sent to your GP or referring doctor

You may feel bloated due to air introduced during the procedure – this usually settles quickly.

If a large polyp is removed during your procedure, there is a small risk of bleeding, and we may recommend delaying international travel for two weeks. As this cannot be predicted beforehand, it’s best not to plan overseas travel within two weeks of your colonoscopy.

Before you leave, you will be offered a light snack and drink – including the fresh sandwiches many patients say are the highlight of their visit.

Staff will ensure you are feeling well enough to leave, at which time your support person can collect you

Most people return to normal activities the following day.

Sedation can affect your coordination, judgement and reaction time for several hours after your procedure.

You will need someone to drive you home and remain available to support you for the rest of the day.

Do not drive, operate machinery, use dangerous appliances or make important decisions until the following day, and avoid alcohol.

We also recommend avoiding social media or online activity while the effects of sedation remain.

If biopsies are taken or polyps removed, results are usually available within two weeks.

Your specialist will review the results and communicate them to your GP or referring doctor.

Colonoscopy is considered a very safe procedure, and serious complications are rare.

Potential risks include:

• Reaction to sedation

• Bleeding (especially if polyps are removed)

• Perforation of the bowel wall (very uncommon)

• Infection (extremely rare due to rigorous industry-leading reprocessing and infection prevention standards)

If you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, persistent bleeding, vomiting, or black stools after your procedure, please seek medical attention immediately.

Contact your Specialist or Endoscopy Auckland if you experience:

• Severe or worsening abdominal pain

• Persistent vomiting

• Fever

• Vomiting

• Inability to pass gas or stool