What Is a Colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy (Greek kolon = large intestine; skopein= to watch) is a diagnostic procedure during which a doctor – usually gastroenterologist – inspects the inner lining (mucosa) of your colon and rectum by a flexible viewing tube – colonoscope - that has a camera and light on the end (Picture 1). Colonoscopy may be done in a hospital or in an outpatient office.
Picture 1. Colonoscopy
Hemorrhoids, diverticula, bleeding, polyps, tumors (colorectal carcinoma, lymphoma), inflamed mucosa, ulcers or fibrous tissue can be detected in the colonic or rectal mucosa. Few inches of the last part of the small intestine ,commonly affected by Crohn’s disease, can be also checked.
continue reading Colonoscopy – Preparation, Procedure, Pictures, Risks, Cost
