Colonoscopy

How Long Does a Colonoscopy Take?

The procedure is generally about 20-30 minutes long. An anesthesiologist administers medications through the IV line. Most people have a deep sleep during the examination and are unaware that it was even performed.

Why Are Colonoscopies Recommended?

Colorectal cancer (also known as colon cancer) is the 2nd most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States, yet it is one of the most preventable types of cancer. Approximately 1 in 20 people will develop colon cancer in their lifetime. Colorectal cancer is often curable when detected early.

What makes colonoscopy truly unique among cancer screening methods is that it’s both diagnostic and therapeutic. Colonoscopy is the only test that allows a biopsy or removal of a polyp at the very same time it is first identified. Removing polyps during a colonoscopy could stop colon cancer from growing or even cure it.

There is no way to completely eliminate the risk of developing colorectal cancer, but the systematic detection and removal of colon polyps during colonoscopies is the single most important intervention to reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer. As well, early detection of colorectal cancer by screening is the best way to improve the chance of a successful cancer cure.

How Does a Colonoscopy Help Prevent Colorectal Cancer?

Most colon cancers develop from precancerous polyps, which are abnormal growths from the wall of the colon. If these precancerous polyps are left alone, they have the potential to grow into a cancer.

Not all colon polyps have the same risk of turning into colon cancer.Â. Precancerous polyps (adenomas and serrated polyps) could become cancerous; other types of polyps (hyperplastic, inflammatory) do not.

By performing colonoscopies, we can find these precancerous polyps and remove them before they have a chance to transition into a cancer. The development of more than 75-90% of colorectal cancer can be avoided through early detection and removal of precancerous polyps. If people took advantage of screening tests, the vast majority of deaths from colon cancer could be prevented.

This also allows us to determine who needs a closer eye on them than the average population. Instead of colonoscopies every 10 years, some people need colonoscopies every 3-5 years depending on the number and size of polyps that are present.

When Should You Consider a Colonoscopy?

The American Cancer Society now recommends colonoscopy screenings beginning at age 45 for those at average risk for colorectal cancer. Your family history plays an important role in determining when to start screenings; if you have a first-degree relative who had colorectal cancer or advanced polyps, we typically recommend starting 10 years before the age your family member was diagnosed or by age 40.

Pay attention to your body’s signals as well—persistent changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, ongoing abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, or feeling like your bowel doesn’t empty completely are all reasons to consider scheduling this important procedure.

For patients who’ve had polyps removed or have inflammatory bowel disease, we’ll create a personalized follow-up schedule, which might mean returning for another colonoscopy in 3, 5, or 10 years, depending on your specific situation.

At Comprehensive Gastrointestinal Health, we perform colonoscopies at both our Libertyville and Northbrook locations, providing this essential diagnostic service with precision and care.

How Do I Prepare for a Colonoscopy?

Proper preparation is essential for a successful colonoscopy. A clean colon allows our physicians to examine your intestinal lining and detect even small abnormalities with precision and clarity.

One week before your scheduled procedure, you’ll want to review your current medications with your doctor. Certain medications like blood thinners, iron supplements, and some diabetes medications may need to be temporarily adjusted or paused. This is also the perfect time to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward, as you cannot drive for 24 hours following sedation. We recommend stocking up on clear liquids such as broth, clear fruit juices, sports drinks, and gelatin (avoiding red or purple colors that can interfere with visibility during the exam) and picking up your prescribed bowel preparation solution from your pharmacy.

As you approach three days before your colonoscopy, begin limiting high-fiber foods in your diet. Foods like nuts, seeds, raw vegetables, and whole grains can be difficult to clear completely from your colon. Instead, focus on increasing your fluid intake to ensure you stay well-hydrated throughout the preparation process.

The day before your procedure marks an important transition in your preparation. You’ll need to switch to a clear liquid diet for the entire day—this means no solid foods whatsoever. In the evening, you’ll begin taking your prescribed bowel preparation solution according to our detailed instructions. It’s best to stay close to a bathroom during this time, as the preparation will cause frequent bowel movements. Remember to continue drinking clear fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration, which is essential for both your comfort and the success of the procedure.

On the day of your colonoscopy, you may need to complete the second portion of your bowel preparation early in the morning, depending on your specific instructions. Take only medications that have been specifically approved by your doctor for use on the day of the procedure.

What Should I Bring to the Procedure?

The first and last names of all doctors you would like us to send a copy of procedure report to.

1. Someone to drive you home.

• • Sedation is given during the procedure and although you may feel clear headed, your abilities are impaired.
  • If you have not arranged for someone to drive you home, your procedure will be cancelled.
  • You will not be able to drive, operate machinery, make any important or legal decisions, or return to work for the rest of the day.

2. Your insurance cards.

• • If you have specific questions about coverage for your upcoming procedure, please contact your insurance company.
  • Special note: although your upcoming colonoscopy may be scheduled as a screening procedure, if during the course of your screening the physician removed a polyp or performs a tissue biopsy, the procedure may be considered diagnostic and may not qualify for coverage as a screening service.
  • Insurance company policies vary regarding these matters and we encourage you to contact your insurance company to obtain their policy on these types of procedures.

3. Your medication list.

What Should I Wear to the Procedure?

Here are some helpful tips about what to wear to your procedure:

• Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing that is easy to step into.
• Wear flat shoes (skip the heels).
• Do not wear jewelry or bring valuables.
• You may wear makeup, but please skip the fragrances and body lotion.
• You may wear contact lenses if you are able to take a 60 minute nap with your contacts in place.

What to Expect For Your Colonoscopy

First, when you arrive, after the administrative check-in, a nurse will ask questions to ensure the patient understands the procedure and the reason it is planned.

The nurse will start an intravenous line (insert a needle into a vein in the hand or arm; feels similar to having blood drawn) to administer medications.

The vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen level) will be monitored before, during, and after the examination. The monitoring is not painful, though the first time the blood pressure cuff inflates it can be uncomfortable for 20-30 seconds.

A standard colonoscopy examination typically takes about 20-30 minutes from start to finish. When you arrive at either our Libertyville or Northbrook location, an anesthesiologist will administer medications through an IV line to ensure your complete comfort. Most patients experience a deep, restful sleep during the entire procedure and wake up with no memory of the examination having taken place.

Every effort will be made to keep your appointment at the scheduled time, but in medicine, unexpected delays and emergencies may occur and your wait time may be prolonged. Â We give each patient the attention needed for his or her procedure.

Typically, we run on schedule, and the duration from the time of drop-off until you leave to go home runs approximately 2 hours.

Afterward, you will be recovering for approximately 30-40 minutes.

Due to the lingering effects of the sedation medication, you may not remember the physician speaking to you. If you gave permission prior to the procedure, the doctor will review the findings with your family member or responsible adult that accompanies you.

You will be able to eat and drink right after the procedure is completed.

You will NOT be able to drive or return to work for the remainder of the day. Although you will be awake by the time you are discharged, the sedative medications cause changes in reflexes and judgment that cause a person to feel well but can interfere with the ability to make decisions, similar to the effects of alcohol.

Are Colonoscopies Safe?

Colonoscopy is a safe procedure and complications are rare, but they can occur.

Risks of colonoscopy include:

• Adverse reactions to the medications used to sedate you are possible. By learning about your previous medication allergies or reactions and about health problems such as heart, lung, kidney, or liver disease, we will try to minimize the likelihood of an adverse reaction.
• Medications can also cause irritation in the vein at the site of the intravenous line. If redness, swelling, or warmth occur, applying a warm wet towel to the site may relieve the discomfort. If the discomfort persists, please call the office.
• Aspiration (inhaling) of food or fluids into the lungs, the risk of which can be minimized by not eating or drinking for the recommended period of time before the examination.
• The colonoscope can cause a tear or hole in the tissue being examined, which is a serious problem, but fortunately, very uncommon (approximately 1 in every 3,000-5,000 colonoscopies).
• Bleeding can occur from biopsies or the removal of polyps, but it is usually minimal and stops quickly or can be controlled.
• Lastly, colonoscopy is the best test for preventing colon cancer, but it is not perfect. Due to visual limitations that can occur, it is possible to miss seeing a polyp.

Caring, Trusted Gastroenterologists

At Comprehensive Gastrointestinal Health, our name reflects our philosophy of care. We understand that modern patients seek more than symptom management—they want to understand the root causes of their digestive concerns.

Our gastroenterologists approach each case with thorough attention, recognizing the complex interplay between your unique health history, genetic factors, nutritional patterns, gut microbiome, and the critical mind-gut relationship. We don’t believe in generic solutions but instead develop personalized treatment plans that align with your individual lifestyle and preferences.

Our approach to digestive health has transformed through years of clinical experience. Initially trained in conventional Western medicine at The University of Chicago, our physicians came to recognize the limitations of traditional approaches alone. We experienced firsthand the frustration when standard diagnostic procedures, endoscopic examinations, and medication therapies failed to resolve persistent digestive symptoms.