Colonoscopy is an endoscopic examination of the large intestine using a thin flexible camera. It diagnoses bleeding, polyps and cancer, and can remove polyps in the same sitting — preventing colon cancer before it starts.
| What | Camera examination of the large bowel |
| Why | Screen for cancer, find bleeding, remove polyps |
| Comfort | Done under sedation — painless |
| Time | About 20–30 minutes, same-day discharge |
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy uses a slim flexible tube with a camera to examine the entire large intestine. It is the gold-standard test for colon cancer screening and for investigating bleeding or a change in bowel habits.
What it detects & treats
Colonoscopy finds polyps, inflammation, diverticular disease and cancers. Crucially, polyps can be removed during the same procedure (polypectomy), preventing them from becoming cancer.
What to expect
After a bowel-cleansing preparation, the procedure is performed under sedation and takes about 20–30 minutes. Most people return home the same day and resume normal activity quickly.
How we treat Colonoscopy
View all services & treatments →Documented cases from our practice
A "difficult gallbladder" with dense scarring — removed safely by key-hole surgery without conversi…
Read case → Real case Polyp to Prevention: How a Colonoscopy Stopped a CancerA pre-cancerous polyp found and removed during screening — a colon cancer prevented before it could…
Read case → Real case Yellow Eyes to Relief: Clearing a Blocked Bile Duct by EndoscopyDeep jaundice from a bile-duct stone relieved by ERCP — no open surgery needed.
Read case →Visiting consultations near you
Meet Dr. Avinash Tank across Gujarat & Rajasthan — simple cases managed locally, advanced surgery at Dwarika Hospital, Ahmedabad.
Super-specialist GI, bariatric & cancer surgeon. SGPGIMS (India's premier GI centre) + advanced training in Japan & South Korea. Read full profile →
Last reviewed: June 2026Frequently asked questions
No. It is done under sedation, so it is essentially painless, and most patients recover within an hour.
Screening is generally advised from around age 45–50, or earlier with symptoms or a family history of colon cancer.
Yes. Polyps found during colonoscopy are usually removed there and then, which can prevent colon cancer.