Patient care

It is an examination of the bowel performed by passing a thin, flexible tube, called a colonoscope, via the back passage and along the large intestine (colon). The test is usually performed as a day-case under mild sedation. This allows examination of the large bowel (colon) and last part of the small bowel (terminal ileum). It may be necessary to take a biopsy (small piece of tissue) for further investigation. This is done painlessly through the tube using tiny forceps. The test takes about 10-30 minutes to complete. The test sometimes picks up polyps (small projections of tissue) which are easily removed and prevent the development of bowel cancer. Sometimes a shortened version of this procedure called a flexible-sigmoidoscopy may be done instead.

An information leaflet on preparation for colonoscopy may downloaded as a PDF document (see below) or is available from Parkside Hospital pharmacy, telephone 0208 971 8000