What to Expect During Your Colonoscopy and 5 Expert Tips to Prep

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. While it's recommended that people start getting screened for colon cancer at age 45, if you're younger and begin feeling symptoms like diarrhea or rectal bleeding, providers advise that you be evaluated sooner. In this 2 Your Well-Being discussion with WFMY News 2, Gabriel Mansouraty, MD, discusses the importance of colon cancer screenings and exactly what the procedure entails.

Colonoscopies

During a colonoscopy, your gastroenterologist uses a colonoscope—a long thin tube with a camera on the end—to examine your large intestine. Plan to spend two to three hours at the hospital or facility on the day of your procedure. The colonoscopy itself takes between 10 to 60 minutes, depending on whether your doctor needs to remove polyps—small growths of tissue—during the procedure.

After a short recovery time, you’ll meet with your physician to review your findings and discuss follow-up care. You should rest at home for the remainder of the day.

Prep Tips

For the most accurate colonoscopy results, you’ll need to clean out your colon before the procedure.

1. Mix the preparation solution early in the afternoon and set it in the refrigerator to chill.

2. Using a straw will activate less taste buds and make it quicker to get through.

3. If you are nauseous, slow down or take a 10-15 minute break.

4. Mix the solution with gatorade or lemonade to make it more palatable.

5. Stay close to a bathroom during the evening.