A colonoscopy is an imaging procedure that uses a scope to look inside your colon and rectum to check for problems. It’s one of the key ways that doctors screen for colon cancer. Your first colonoscopy can be a little intimidating, so here’s what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
References
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. (n.d.). Bowel preparation: Understanding bowel preparation before colonoscopy.
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. (n.d.). Colonoscopy: What is a colonoscopy?
Lee, L. (2024). Patient education: Colonoscopy (beyond the basics). UpToDate.
MedlinePlus. (2022). Colonoscopy.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2023). Colonoscopy.
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Written by:
Lauren Smith, MALauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Reviewed by:
Sanjai Sinha, MDSanjai Sinha, MD, is a board-certified physician with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in internal medicine.
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