Preparation matters
A clean colon helps the physician see the lining and identify polyps.
Colon evaluation and screening
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy uses a flexible camera to examine the colon. It may be recommended for screening, symptoms, abnormal testing, surveillance after prior polyps, or family history.
Colonoscopy in BoisePatient education · Boise, Idaho
Understand the plan
Clear information for your next decision
During the procedure
Polyps can often be removed and tissue can be sampled.
Afterward
Sedation requires transportation. Pathology results and the next recommended interval are reviewed after the procedure.
Interactive visit planner
What would you like to discuss?
Select anything that applies. This tool organizes questions; it does not diagnose a condition.
Common questions
Patient FAQ
Why is bowel preparation important?
Residual stool can hide polyps and may require the procedure to be repeated.
Can polyps be removed during colonoscopy?
Many polyps can be removed during the examination.
When should I seek help afterward?
Contact the care team for severe pain, fever, persistent vomiting, dizziness, or significant bleeding.
Video education
Hear Dr. Gay explain the procedure
Watch this brief overview, then bring your questions to your visit.
Educational sources and resources
ASGE: Understanding ColonoscopyUSPSTF Colorectal Cancer ScreeningSAGES: Patient Information for Colonoscopy
Information is educational and does not replace an examination or individualized medical advice. Call 911 for emergencies.
Comprehensive patient guide
Colonoscopy: anatomy, treatment, and risks
This guide supports an informed conversation with a surgeon. Recommendations must be individualized after examination and review of relevant records.
Related anatomy
The colon extends from the cecum to the rectum and is lined by mucosa where inflammation, bleeding, polyps, and cancers can develop.
Pathophysiology
Colon polyps may slowly acquire abnormal changes and become cancer. Other diseases can cause bleeding, diarrhea, narrowing, or inflammation.
Diagnosis and evaluation
Indications include screening, symptoms, abnormal tests, prior polyps, and family history. Preparation quality directly affects accuracy.
Medical and nonsurgical treatment
Management depends on findings and may include diet or medication changes, treatment of inflammation or infection, iron replacement, surveillance, or referral to another specialist. Endoscopy can diagnose disease and sometimes treat it during the same procedure.
Surgical and procedural treatment
A flexible camera examines the colon; biopsy, polyp removal, bleeding treatment, or dilation may be performed when appropriate.
Risks and tradeoffs
Endoscopy risks are uncommon but can include sedation complications, bleeding, perforation, aspiration, infection, missed lesions, post-polypectomy syndrome, dental injury with upper endoscopy, and the need for additional treatment.
Recovery and shared decisions
Recovery depends on the exact procedure, disease severity, health, work demands, and whether additional treatment is needed. Before treatment, discuss expected pain control, wound care, activity, diet, pathology results, follow-up, and the symptoms that should prompt a call.
- Ask what alternatives are reasonable.
- Ask how success and recurrence are measured.
- Review medications and health optimization.
- Clarify expected restrictions and follow-up.
Urgent care: Call 911 or seek prompt evaluation for severe or rapidly worsening pain, heavy bleeding, trouble breathing, repeated vomiting, fainting, rapidly spreading redness, or another emergency.
Educational resources
Prepare for your visit
Bring relevant imaging, pathology, laboratory results, medication lists, prior operative reports, and your questions when available.