Colonoscopy
Plan your appointment
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an examination of the large bowel. A flexible tube is inserted through the anus, allowing the doctor to examine the entire large bowel for abnormalities. During the procedure, the doctor can take biopsies (small samples of the bowel lining) or remove any polyps straight away. These biopsies and/or polyps are then examined further in the laboratory.
Preparing for the examination
As the large bowel must be completely clean, a certain preparation is required before a colonoscopy. To make a proper assessment, the doctor must not be hindered by any stool remaining in the bowel.
It is therefore important to follow the preparation instructions as carefully as possible. The preparation starts three days before the examination and includes taking a bowel preparation (laxative) to completely cleanse the bowel. During the consultation beforehand, we will go through the preparation with you step by step.
You can find more information about the preparation in the brochure below.
The examination
A colonoscopy is carried out under sedation. After the procedure, you will rest on the ward for a while.
Aftercare
The examination itself is very safe. Very rarely, a colonoscopy may cause bleeding or a perforation. In the exceptional event that bleeding occurs, it can almost always be treated with a local endoscopic procedure. Very rarely, surgery is required.
Do you experience bleeding or sudden pain after the examination? Please come to the emergency department immediately, even if this happens a few days after the procedure. In that case, it is best to stop eating immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Departments
Would you like more information or to make an appointment? If so, please contact the department of gastroenterology.