Colonoscopy in Sydney
Diagnostic / Screening Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy procedure allows physicians to examine the entire colon, from the rectum to the lower end of the small intestine.
Using a lighted flexible tube with a camera that transmits pictures of the colon on a video stream, the doctor examines the colon for ulcers, swelling (inflammation) or polyps (small growths).
The physician can also take small tissue samples (biopsy) to look for infection, illness, early signs of cancer, and also remove polyps. Removed polyps are examined closely to determine if they are pre-cancerous.
During a colonoscopy procedure, patients receive a mild sedative and pain medication for comfort. A Registered Nurse assists the doctor during the procedure and a Sedationist/Anaesthetist monitors vital signs.
Colonoscopy Fact Sheet
Colonoscopy – Consumer Factsheet
This Consumer Fact Sheet, the Colonoscopy Clinical Care Standard, and other information for consumers can be downloaded from www.safetyandquality.gov.au/ccs.
For more about colonoscopy for bowel cancer screening see www.cancerscreening.gov.au/bowel.
Download a PDF version of this Consumer Fact Sheet: Colonoscopy Consumer Fact Sheet
