What to Expect during Your Colonoscopy

The 7 steps of your colonoscopy day

A colonoscopy is an important screening and diagnostic procedure that helps find polyps and other concerns in the colon and rectum. If the doctor finds polyps, they can remove them or take a small sample for testing (called a biopsy). Routine colonoscopy screening is essential in the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancers. This article will review what you can expect right before, during, and after your colonoscopy. For more information on preparing for your colonoscopy, learn about Getting Ready for Your Colonoscopy. 

Step 1: Arrive at the facility 

When you arrive, you’ll check in at the front desk. The staff will ask you questions about your health and make sure you’re ready for the procedure. 

Step 2: Check in with the nurse

A nurse will call you back to a preparation area. This is where they will help you get ready for your colonoscopy. The nurse will:

• Ask questions about your health and any medicines you take
• Check your temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and breathing
• Have you change into a hospital gown
• Put a band with your name on your wrist
• Place an IV and start giving IV fluids, if needed

An IV line is a thin, flexible tube that is used to give you medicine and fluids. It might feel like a small pinch when they put it in. The IV stays in your arm until you are ready to go home and helps the healthcare team give you medicine quickly if you need it. At most facilities, your support person can be with you in the preparation area. Know that depending on the facility, this may not always be the case.

Don’t be shy about asking questions if you have them. The nurse is there to help you feel comfortable and ready for your colonoscopy.

Step 3: Meet with the anesthesia professional 

Your anesthesia professional, such as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), will meet with you before you go to the procedure room. This person is specially trained to keep you safe during the procedure.

Your anesthesia professional will:

• Introduce themselves and verify your name and that you are having a colonoscopy
• Perform a quick heart and lung exam
• Explain what sedation is and how it works
• Answer any questions you have
• Tell you what to expect when the medicine starts working
• Ask about any allergies or past experiences with anesthesia

Sedation involves giving medicine that helps you stay calm and comfortable during your colonoscopy. Depending on the facility, you may be asked to sign a consent form for anesthesia at this time.

Step 4: Meet with the doctor 

Before your colonoscopy, you will meet with your gastroenterologist. They’ll explain the procedure and answer your questions. They’ll make sure you understand what will happen. This is your chance to: 

• Ask any last-minute questions 
• Tell them about any concerns you have 
• Confirm what will happen if polyps or other concerns are found during the procedure 

If you haven’t already done so, you will sign your consent forms before you are taken to the procedure room and before the anesthesia professional gives you any medication.

Step 5: Enter the procedure room and start anesthesia 

You’ll walk or ride on a stretcher to the procedure room. You may be asked to verify your name, date of birth, and the procedure you’re having before anesthesia begins. Once you’re positioned on your left side on the table, the anesthesia professional will start to give you sedation medication. Most patients become very relaxed and sleepy during the procedure. Many patients feel and remember nothing from the procedure. Your anesthesia professional will keep you comfortable and free from pain throughout this process. Learn more about Sedation and Anesthesia Medication Safety.

Step 6: The colonoscopy takes place 

While you’re sleeping, the doctor puts the colonoscope (a thin camera tube) into your rectum and colon. The doctor looks at the inside of your colon very carefully. If the doctor sees polyps, they can remove them right away. If the doctor needs to test something, they’ll take a tiny sample (biopsy). The whole procedure takes 20-30 minutes on average. 

During the colonoscopy, your anesthesia professional will continuously check your heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, breathing, and level of sedation. Your anesthesia professional is an expert in adjusting your sedation medication based on your needs. 

Step 7: Wake up and recovery 

When the procedure is done, the sedation medication wears off slowly. You’ll wake up in the recovery room. A nurse will stay with you and watch you carefully. You might feel a little sleepy or drowsy for a while, and that’s normal. You’ll stay in recovery for 30-45 minutes depending on how you’re feeling. Sometimes, you may need to stay in recovery longer if you are very drowsy or are experiencing nausea and vomiting. Before you leave, the doctor will talk to you about what they found. Learn more about What to Expect after Your Colonoscopy.