Diagnostic Procedure
colonoscopy
co·lon·os·co·py [ koh-luh-nos-kuh-pee ]
Subclass of:
Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
Definitions related to colonoscopy:
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A procedure to see inside the colon, using a long, lighted flexible tube mounted with a tiny camera.Harvard Dictionary of Health TermsHarvard Medical Publishing, 2011
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Colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy are procedures that let your doctor look inside your large intestine. They use instruments called scopes. Scopes have a tiny camera attached to a long, thin tube. The procedures let your doctor see things such as inflamed tissue, abnormal growths, and ulcers. Colonoscopy checks your entire colon and rectum. Sigmoidoscopy checks the rectum and the lower colon only. Your doctor may recommend one of these procedures To look for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum. It may be part of a routine screening, which usually starts at age 50.; To look for causes of unexplained changes in bowel habits; To evaluate symptoms like abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and weight loss. Your doctor can also remove polyps from your colon during these procedures. You will get written bowel prep instructions to follow at home before the procedure. The bowel prep cleans out the intestine so your doctor can see everything clearly. During a colonoscopy, you get medicines to keep you relaxed. You usually do not need them for a sigmoidoscopy. NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesMedlinePlusU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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Endoscopic examination of the luminal surface of the colon.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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Endoscopic examination, therapy or surgery of the luminal surface of the colon.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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Examination of the inside of the colon using a colonoscope, inserted into the rectum. A colonoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. It may also have a tool to remove tissue to be checked under a microscope for signs of disease.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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Introduction to Colonoscopy Colonoscopy enables visual inspection of the entire large bowel from the distal rectum to the cecum (see the images below). The procedure is a safe and effective means of evaluating the large bowel.WebMD, 2019
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A colonoscopy (koe-lun-OS-kuh-pee) is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum.Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
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