Colonoscopy: What to Expect

Getting ready for a colonoscopy comes with plenty of questions, and we’re here to help answer them.

The prep, the procedure and simply not knowing what to expect can feel like a lot. At Madison County Health Care System, we want you to feel informed, comfortable and prepared every step of the way.

A colonoscopy allows your surgeon to look inside your rectum and colon for polyps, inflammation, bleeding and other changes. If a polyp is found, it can often be removed during the procedure and sent to a laboratory for further testing.

Whether you are considering a colonoscopy or already have one scheduled at Madison County Memorial Hospital, we have brings together answers to the questions patients commonly ask before, during and after their procedure.

Is It Time for a Colonoscopy?

Most adults should begin regular colorectal cancer screening at age 45 and continue through age 75. The right time and type of screening may be different for people with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, certain medical conditions or concerning symptoms. Your healthcare provider can help determine what is appropriate for you.

Colonoscopy is one of several colorectal cancer screening options. It may also be recommended to evaluate symptoms, follow up on an abnormal screening test or monitor a previous history of polyps.

Talk with your primary care provider if you are due for screening or have questions about whether a colonoscopy is right for you. You can schedule your colonoscopy by calling (515) 462-5207.

Already Scheduled?

The instructions you receive from our surgery team are specific to your procedure and health history. Always follow those instructions rather than general directions you may find online.

Please contact the surgery department if:

  • You are unsure about any part of your bowel prep instructions.
  • You have had difficulty completing a bowel prep in the past.
  • You have questions about eating, drinking or medications.
  • You become ill before your procedure.
  • You do not have someone available to drive you home.
  • Your stool is not watery and see-through by the morning of your procedure.

It is always better to call and ask than to guess. Our team wants you to feel prepared and will help determine the best way to proceed.

FAQs About Colonoscopies

Questions are completely normal, especially if this is your first colonoscopy. Below, you will find answers to frequently asked questions about preparing for your procedure, what happens on the day of your colonoscopy, going home, recovery and receiving your results.

1. Will I need to see my regular healthcare provider before my colonoscopy?
Yes. You will need to see your primary care provider for a history and physical examination within 30 days before your procedure. If you regularly see a specialist, such as a cardiologist or pulmonologist, you may also need an appointment with that specialist if it has been more than six months since your last visit. Each case is evaluated individually based on your health history.

2. Will I need to take off work the day before and after my colonoscopy?
You will need to follow a clear-liquid diet the day before your colonoscopy. Depending on your bowel-preparation instructions, you may be able to begin the laxatives later in the day, allowing you to work during at least part of the day before your procedure. You will need to take the day of your colonoscopy off from work because of the sedation. Most patients can return to work the following day without difficulty. Follow any specific instructions provided by your surgeon or care team.

1. Do I really need to complete the bowel prep?
Yes. A clean colon is essential for your provider to clearly see polyps or other abnormalities. If the bowel preparation is incomplete, your colonoscopy may need to be rescheduled or repeated.

2. What if I have had trouble tolerating the bowel prep in the past?
We typically use a combination of laxative tablets and a MiraLAX bowel preparation. Other options are available when needed. Please let the surgery department know about your previous experience so we can work with you to find the preparation that is best suited to your individual situation.

3. Aren’t there newer bowel preps that involve taking pills only?
Pill-only bowel preparations are available, but we have not found them to be as effective as liquid preparations. Thoroughly cleaning the colon is important so the surgeon can clearly see polyps and other abnormalities during the procedure.

4. What if my stool is not clear by the morning of my procedure?
Call the surgery department for guidance. Your stool should be watery and see-through, but it does not have to be completely colorless. A few small flecks of material may still be present. When you call, a nurse will discuss the situation with you and determine how you should proceed.

1. How long does a colonoscopy take?
The procedure itself usually takes approximately 20–45 minutes. However, you should plan to be at Madison County Memorial Hospital for about three hours. This includes time for preparation before the procedure and recovery afterward.

2. Does getting a colonoscopy hurt?
Most people experience little to no pain because they receive sedation during the procedure. You may feel some pressure or cramping from the air used to gently inflate the colon. Mild cramping after the procedure is not uncommon. Moving around and walking can help release trapped air and relieve discomfort.

3. What is a polyp?
A polyp is an abnormal growth of cells in the colon. Some polyps are benign, while others may be more concerning depending on the types of cells they contain.

4. Does finding a polyp mean I have cancer?
Finding a polyp does not necessarily mean that you have cancer. Removing polyps during a colonoscopy can help prevent certain polyps from developing into cancer. Any polyps that are removed will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. The results will help your provider determine whether additional follow-up is needed.

1. Can I drive myself home?
No. You must have a responsible adult, such as a friend or family member, drive you home. The sedation you receive can affect your judgment, coordination, and reflexes for the remainder of the day. We cannot release you to public transportation after your colonoscopy. If you are unable to arrange a ride home, please notify the surgery department in advance. We may be able to help arrange transportation through a volunteer service.

2. When should I call my healthcare provider after a colonoscopy?
Contact your healthcare provider or seek medical care if you experience:

  • Severe or worsening abdominal pain
  • Heavy rectal bleeding (more than a few tablespoons or bleeding that continues)
  • A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Dizziness or fainting

1. When will I receive my results?
The surgeon will discuss the initial findings with you after your procedure. If tissue or a polyp is sent to the laboratory for pathology testing, the results will usually be posted in your patient portal within a few days. Approximately one week after the procedure, the clinic will call you to discuss the results and any follow-up recommendations.

Still Have Questions?

Your care team is your best resource for questions about your individual procedure, bowel prep, medications and health history. For questions about scheduling or more information about your colonoscopy procedure, please call our surgery department at (515) 462-5207.

Learn more about our General Surgery services, providers and procedures.

Trusted Colonoscopy Resources

The following websites provide additional general information. They should not replace the instructions provided by your surgeon or surgery team.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

A patient-friendly overview of why colonoscopies are performed, how to prepare, what happens during the procedure and what to expect afterward.

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/colonoscopy

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Information about colorectal cancer screening, who should be screened and the different screening options available.

https://www.cdc.gov/colorectal-cancer/screening/index.html

American Cancer Society

An overview of colorectal cancer screening tests, including colonoscopy, stool-based tests and other screening options.

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/screening-tests-used.html

MedlinePlus

Colonoscopy information from the National Library of Medicine, including links to patient education materials and information in multiple languages.

https://medlineplus.gov/colonoscopy.html