Scheduled for a colonoscopy? Here’s what you need to know!
Colonoscopy prep is an essential step when it comes to the procedure that looks for any changes in the large intestine, also known as the colon. But what does this procedure called colonoscopy actually imply?
A colonoscopy is an exam where a thin, flexible tube known as a colonoscope is inserted into the colon and then guided all the way through to where the colon starts and the small bowel ends, which is a cavity known as the cecum.
In order to reach the colon, the tube is inserted through the rectum. The colonoscope has a light and a digital camera attached to the end that allow the doctor to see any abnormalities.
The colonoscopy, also referred to as a direct visualization test, may sound scary, but it’s not as awful as you may think. In fact, you should think of it as a procedure that can literally save your life!
If you’re scheduled for a colonoscopy, then you probably know you have to do bowel preparation to empty and clear out the colon. The colonoscopy prep is essentially a laxative, which basically means you will spend a lot of time on the toilet.
This is one of the most frightening steps when it comes to colorectal cancer screening, and no, it’s not optional. The reason you need to do a colonoscopy prep is to empty your colon so the doctor can properly check inside of it.
We’ve asked doctors for their tips on how to easily survive a colonoscopy prep. Check this out!
