A colonoscopy is an endoscopic technique that enables your doctor to examine the lining of your colon (large intestine) for abnormalities. A thin, flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted into your rectum and slowly advanced around to the end of the colon. The colonoscope is equipped with a miniature video camera and a light source that provides the doctor with a high-resolution image of the bowel wall. Through the colonoscope your doctor can insufflate the colon with air, wash areas with water, apply suction, perform biopsies and remove polyps. It is felt to be the best method of completely examining the colon and the only non-surgical method of removing colonic polyps.Specially trained medical doctors, usually General Surgeons and Gastroenterologists, perform colonoscopies.
Colonoscopies can be performed in hospitals either on hospital in-patients or on individuals done on an out-patient basis. Increasingly colonoscopies, especially screening colonoscopies, can be performed at especially equipped out of hospital clinics, such as Barrie Endoscopy.
