Colonoscopy
This is a procedure where a long thin camera (colonoscope) is inserted in to the anus and moved through the colon and rectum (large bowel) to look for abnormalities. Polyps can also be removed at the same time with instruments that can be passed down the colonoscope. Patients require strong laxatives the day before the test to clean out the bowel so that the inner lining of the colon can be properly viewed. Intravenous sedation and pain relief is given and patients can usually go home the same day as the procedure.