Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a procedure to examine the lining of the colon, sometimes called the large bowel or large intestine. Typically it is carried out as a check-up for some conditions or if your doctor is trying to find out the cause of certain symptoms.

The procedure involves a thin, flexible piece of equipment called a colonoscope, which is passed through the back passage. During the colonoscopy, a small sample, or biopsy, can be taken, or polyps can be removed.