human
My doctor said I should get a colonoscopy. What is a colonoscopy and why is it important?
assistant
A colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure used to examine the inside of your colon (large intestine). It involves inserting a flexible tube called a colonoscope into the rectum, which then allows the doctor to visualize the entire length of the colon. Colonoscopy is usually performed in a hospital setting under sedation or anesthesia. The goal of the procedure is to detect any abnormal growths that may be present in the colon and remove them if necessary. This can help prevent colorectal cancer from developing.