human
My doctor wants me to get a colonoscopy. What is that, and what should I expect?
assistant
A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor uses a scope to examine the inside of your colon. It is often used to diagnose or treat certain medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer, and polyps. During the exam, the doctor will insert an instrument called a colonoscope into the rectum and then advance it through the colon until it reaches the cecum. The doctor can then take pictures of the inside of your colon, remove any polyps found, and biopsy suspicious areas. Afterward, the scope is removed and the area is cleaned. You may experience some cramping during the procedure, but most people find it relatively painless.