During the test, a doctor gently inserts a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope into the bowel. The tube has a small camera at its tip, which allows the doctor to view the inside of the colon. In some cases, the procedure can also examine part of the small intestine.
Where the Fear Comes From
Much of the fear surrounding colonoscopies comes from misinformation. Many people imagine the procedure to be painful or traumatic, but that is rarely the case.
Patients are typically sedated during a colonoscopy, meaning they do not feel pain or significant discomfort. The procedure usually lasts between 20 and 45 minutes, and recovery is generally quick. For most people, the hardest part isn’t the test itself, but the preparation beforehand. While the prep can be uncomfortable, it plays a vital role in ensuring accurate results.