Index Colonoscopy Colonoscopy is the procedure used to examine the lining of the entire colon or large intestine. This is done for individuals with a history of constipation or diarrhea, persistent rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal pain, positive stools for occult blood, personal history of breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer, personal or family history of colon polyps or colon cancer, or persons with a long-standing history of inflammatory bowel disease involving the entire colon.
Light is transmitted through the scope and a picture appears on a screen much like a television.
In most cases, the physician will take pictures of any abnormalities. These pictures become a permanent part of your hospital chart and your chart in the physician s office. In some cases, the physician will videotape your procedure. It is in this area that your procedure will also be done. On admission, a nurse will do a nursing physical assessment and have you sign a Consent for Treatment Form.