Surgery·Surgery
Day of colonoscopy
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
A colonoscopy is a test that lets a doctor look inside your large intestine (colon) using a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera. The day of colonoscopy is the day you have this test at a hospital or clinic. You will usually be sedated (given medicine to help you relax) during the procedure, which takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
Key facts
- You must have an empty bowel for the test, so you will follow a clear liquid diet and take laxatives the day before.
- You will be given sedation medicine so you feel relaxed and sleepy during the test.
- After the test, you will stay in a recovery area until the sedation wears off – you cannot drive or work that day.