The day before your colonoscopy, you will be asked to refrain from solid foods and consume only clear liquids. You will also need to fast from the night before. A laxative or enema kit will be given to empty or clear your colon so that the colonoscope can capture a clear and unobstructed view of your colon and rectum.
You will be sedated for the procedure and be asked to lie on your side before the doctor inserts a colonoscope into your rectum. The scope contains a small light and camera, and a tube to pump small amounts of air or carbon dioxide to inflate the colon to give provide a better view.
A colonoscopy is considered to be a safe procedure and risks such as adverse reaction to the sedative, bleeding from the biopsy site or perforation of the colon or rectum wall are rare.