Colonoscopy
Whether you’re due for routine screening, have a family history of colorectal cancer, or are experiencing digestive symptoms, colonoscopy can detect and remove precancerous polyps in the same procedure, helping prevent colorectal cancer before it starts.
When Is a Colonoscopy Recommended?
Your physician may recommend a colonoscopy for preventive screening, to evaluate digestive symptoms, or to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the colon.
A colonoscopy uses a thin, flexible scope with a camera to examine the entire colon, allowing your physician to identify and remove precancerous polyps in the same visit — no separate procedure needed. It’s considered the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. Your physician may recommend one if you are:
- Due for Routine Screening
- Family History
- Previous Polyps
- Rectal Bleeding
- Change in Bowel Habits
- Abdominal Pain
- Weight Loss
- Iron-Deficiency Anemia
- Biopsy or Polyp Removal
- Due for Routine Screening
- Family History
- Previous Polyps
- Rectal Bleeding
- Change in Bowel Habits
- Abdominal Pain
- Weight Loss
- Iron-Deficiency Anemia
- Biopsy or Polyp Removal
Prevention Matters
Looking for Information About Screening Recommendations?
If you’re trying to determine when screening should begin, how often you should be screened, or whether you’re at increased risk, visit our Colon Cancer Screening page for detailed guidance.
Your Colonoscopy Journey
Whether or not GI Genius™ AI-assisted detection is used, your colonoscopy follows the same straightforward path from consultation through results.
Consultation
Review history, discuss screening needs, and explain GI Genius™ if appropriate.
Prepare
Clear liquid diet, bowel prep, and medication guidance before your procedure.
During the Exam
Recovery
Monitored while sedation wears off; most patients go home the same day.
Results & Follow-Up
Findings, biopsy results if applicable, and follow-up recommendations.
Important: Carefully following your bowel preparation instructions is one of the most important steps in helping your physician perform a thorough colonoscopy.
GI Genius™ AI-Assisted Colonoscopy
NCH is proud to be among the first hospitals in Southwest Florida to offer GI Genius™, a technology that provides an expert AI second opinion in detecting hard-to-see colorectal polyps during colonoscopies, so your physician can remove them in the same procedure
Understanding the Risks of Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is one of the safest and most commonly performed gastrointestinal procedures, but like any medical procedure, it carries some risks.
Common Side Effects
Mild bloating, gas, or cramping that usually resolves quickly.
Less Common Risks
Bleeding after polyp removal or, rarely, a tear in the colon.
Reducing Your Risk
Your physician reviews your health history and medications before your procedure.
Contact your physician immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, fever, or persistent vomiting after your procedure.
What Happens After Your Colonoscopy?
Before you leave, your gastroenterologist will review your initial findings and explain any next steps. If tissue samples or polyps are sent for laboratory analysis, your gastroenterologist will review those results with you once they become available and discuss any recommended follow-up care.
- Initial findings from your procedure
- Whether polyps or tissue samples were removed
- When biopsy results will be available, if applicable
- Any recommended follow-up care or additional testing
- When your next colonoscopy or screening should be scheduled based on your individual risk factors
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should I start getting colonoscopies?
Most guidelines recommend beginning routine colon cancer screening at age 45 for patients at average risk. Those with a family history or other risk factors may need to start earlier — your physician can help determine the right age for you.
Is a colonoscopy painful?
Most patients receive sedation during the procedure and feel little to no discomfort. Many patients have no memory of the exam itself afterward.
How long does a colonoscopy take?
The procedure itself typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, though you should plan for a few hours total at the facility to account for preparation, sedation, and recovery time.
How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?
Your care team will provide detailed bowel preparation instructions before your procedure, generally involving dietary changes and a prescribed prep solution in the day or two beforehand to clear the colon for examination.
What is GI Genius™ and will it be used during my colonoscopy?
GI Genius™ is an FDA-cleared AI-assisted technology that provides your physician with an additional layer of visual support in detecting polyps during colonoscopy. Your physician will determine whether it’s appropriate to use during your procedure.
How often do I need a colonoscopy?
For patients at average risk with a normal result, colonoscopy is typically recommended every 10 years. If polyps or other findings are present, your physician may recommend a shorter interval.
When will I get my results?
Your physician often shares initial findings the same day. If polyps were removed or biopsies taken, lab results typically take one to two weeks.
What's the difference between a colonoscopy and Cologuard®?
Cologuard is an at-home stool test that screens for DNA and blood markers associated with colon cancer, but it cannot detect or remove polyps, and it must be repeated more frequently. A colonoscopy examines the entire colon directly and allows your physician to remove precancerous polyps during the same visit. If a Cologuard test comes back abnormal, a follow-up colonoscopy is required to confirm the results.
Is a colonoscopy covered by insurance?
For most patients, a routine screening colonoscopy is covered at no cost under the Affordable Care Act’s preventive care provisions starting at age 45. If a polyp is found and removed, or if the exam is diagnostic rather than routine screening, your plan’s normal cost-sharing may apply. Contact your insurance provider to confirm your specific coverage.
What can I eat before a colonoscopy?
In the days leading up to your procedure, you’ll typically be asked to avoid high-fiber foods, and on the day before, switch to clear liquids only, such as broth, plain gelatin, and clear juices. Your care team will provide exact dietary instructions as part of your bowel prep plan.
Do I need someone to drive me home after a colonoscopy?
Yes. Because sedation is used during the procedure, you will not be able to drive yourself home. Please arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you and drive you home after your appointment.
Location
Colonoscopy is performed at NCH Gastroenterology outpatient locations.
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3302 Bonita Beach Rd Se, Suite 170, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
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(239) 624-1050
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Take the Next Step
Routine colorectal cancer screening is one of the most effective ways to help detect and prevent colorectal cancer. Whether you’re due for your first colonoscopy, follow-up screening, or evaluation of digestive symptoms, NCH Gastroenterology is here to help.