Colonoscopy

You will be asleep under sedation by an anaesthetist during your procedure. Under vision via a monitor screen, a thin flexible camera is passed into the large intestine (colon). The bowel wall is carefully examined to check for inflammation (redness or swelling), as well as any abnormal lumps such as polyps (abnormal tissue) or growths in the colon. Often times we are able to remove polyps early before they cause you any problems.

The reasons for a colonoscopy may include:

A family history of colon cancer

Positive bowel cancer screening test (Faecal occult blood test)

Previous polyps for surveillance

Abdominal discomfort, bloating or pain

Change in bowel habits such as unexplained constipation or diarrhoea

Rectal bleeding

Anaemia or low blood count

Unexplained weight loss

Anaemia (low blood count) or bleeding from the gut

In expert hands, a colonoscopy is considered a safe procedure with less than 1 in 1,000 patients experiencing any adverse events due to the procedure. Removal of polyps is the best way to prevent bowel cancer. We will discuss this with you during consultation to ensure that you have your procedure done promptly and for the right reasons.

Please click here to view bowel preparation instructions.