NHS Factsheet

NHS website

Colonoscopy

Find out what a colonoscopy is, why it's done, what happens on the day and what the results mean.

18 May 2023

Introduction

  • A colonoscopy is a test to check inside your bowels.
  • This test can help find what's causing your bowel symptoms.
  • A long, thin, flexible tube with a small camera inside it is passed into your bottom.
  • You'll be given a laxative so your bowels are empty for the test.

Important

You're usually awake during a colonoscopy. You'll be offered medicine to make you more comfortable and make the test easier.