You've made the important first step in booking your colonoscopy, but to ensure success, it's essential that you properly prepare by making sure your colon is completely clean. Your doctor will prescribe a bowel prep formula and will require that you consume only clear liquids beforehand and it's vital that you follow these instructions carefully. You'll know your prep is complete when the stool coming out is a clear liquid that you can see through without any particles. When your colon is completely clean, your doctor will be able to guide the colonoscope easily through your bowel, like driving on a sunny day with full visibility, but if you have not prepared properly, and your colon is dirty, it's like having to drive a colonoscope at night with no headlights, raising the chance of missing something important like polyps or cancer.

To ensure little to no discomfort during the procedure, medicine will be provided through the vein beforehand. For the procedure, a trained gastroenterologist will examine your colon for about 30 minutes. After the exam, you will be cared for in the recovery area where your doctor will inform you of the results and provide any additional information you need. You should also make sure you have someone to drive you home. Be sure to talk with your doctor or nurse if you have any questions. Visit crcawareness.gastro.org to learn more.