Colonoscopy at Mayo Clinic

Colonoscopy is a specialized diagnostic and preventive procedure used to examine the inside of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It can help detect and evaluate polyps, inflammation, bleeding, abnormal tissue and colorectal cancer, and selected polyps can be removed during the same procedure.

Price:  Price on Request

Why Price on Request?

The cost of a colonoscopy depends on the reason for the procedure, pre-procedure evaluation, bowel preparation, sedation or anesthesia, biopsy or polyp removal, pathology and facility or hospital services. A personalized cost estimate is therefore required.

Complete Description

What Is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure that allows a gastroenterologist to examine the lining of the rectum and entire colon using a flexible instrument equipped with a camera.

It can be performed for both screening and diagnostic purposes.

During the procedure, the specialist can identify abnormalities and, when appropriate, perform procedures such as biopsy or polyp removal.

Why Is a Colonoscopy Performed?

A colonoscopy may be recommended for:

• Colorectal cancer screening

• Rectal bleeding

• Blood in the stool

• Persistent diarrhea

• Chronic constipation

• Unexplained abdominal pain

• Changes in bowel habits

• Unexplained anemia

• Follow-up of previously detected polyps

• Evaluation of inflammatory bowel disease

• Investigation of abnormal gastrointestinal findings

The reason for the procedure depends on the patient's individual medical situation.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colonoscopy is an important method of colorectal cancer screening.

It allows specialists to identify certain precancerous polyps and remove them during the procedure when appropriate.

Screening recommendations depend on factors such as:

• Age

• Family history

• Personal medical history

• Previous polyps

• Previous colorectal cancer

• Other individual risk factors

Detection of Colon Polyps

Colon polyps are growths that develop on the inner lining of the colon.

During colonoscopy, specialists can identify and evaluate polyps.

Selected polyps can be removed during the same procedure, and the tissue can then be sent for pathological examination.

Polyp Removal

If a suitable polyp is identified, it may be removed using specialized endoscopic techniques.

This may include:

• Polypectomy

• Snare removal

• Other specialized endoscopic techniques

The technique depends on the size, location and characteristics of the polyp.

Biopsy During Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy can allow the specialist to obtain biopsy samples from abnormal or suspicious areas.

Biopsy may help evaluate:

• Inflammation

• Abnormal tissue

• Polyps

• Suspected cancer

• Other gastrointestinal conditions

The tissue is examined by a pathologist.

Colonoscopy for Rectal Bleeding

Patients experiencing rectal bleeding or blood in the stool may be evaluated with colonoscopy when clinically appropriate.

The procedure can help identify potential causes such as:

• Polyps

• Inflammation

• Diverticular disease

• Hemorrhoidal bleeding

• Other abnormalities

• Colorectal tumors

Colonoscopy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Colonoscopy can be an important part of evaluating and monitoring:

• Crohn's disease

• Ulcerative colitis

• Other inflammatory gastrointestinal conditions

It may help specialists assess inflammation, obtain biopsies and monitor disease activity.

Colonoscopy for Unexplained Anemia

In selected patients with unexplained iron-deficiency anemia, colonoscopy may be recommended to investigate possible sources of gastrointestinal blood loss.

The specialist may evaluate the colon for:

• Polyps

• Bleeding lesions

• Inflammation

• Tumors

• Other abnormalities

Preparation Before Colonoscopy

Proper bowel preparation is essential for a successful colonoscopy.

Patients are generally given specific instructions regarding:

• Diet before the procedure

• Clear-liquid intake

• Bowel-preparation medication

• Medication adjustments

• Timing of preparation

• Arrival instructions

Following the preparation instructions carefully helps improve visibility during the examination.

Medication Review

Before colonoscopy, patients should inform the medical team about all medications and supplements they take.

Particular attention may be given to:

• Blood thinners

• Diabetes medications

• Blood-pressure medications

• Iron supplements

• Other prescription medications

Patients should not stop prescribed medications unless instructed by their healthcare team.

Sedation and Anesthesia

Colonoscopy may be performed with sedation or anesthesia depending on the procedure and patient's medical circumstances.

The medical team determines the appropriate approach based on:

• Patient health

• Medical history

• Procedure requirements

• Previous experiences

• Facility protocols

During the Colonoscopy

During the procedure, the colonoscope is carefully guided through the rectum and colon.

The specialist examines the intestinal lining for abnormalities.

When necessary, the doctor may:

• Remove polyps

• Obtain biopsies

• Treat selected bleeding sources

• Evaluate abnormal tissue

• Perform other appropriate endoscopic interventions

Colonoscopy Findings

A colonoscopy may identify:

• Colon polyps

• Colorectal tumors

• Inflammation

• Ulcers

• Diverticular disease

• Bleeding sources

• Abnormal blood vessels

• Other gastrointestinal abnormalities

Not every abnormal finding requires treatment, and the next step depends on the findings.

Recovery After Colonoscopy

After the procedure, patients are monitored until the effects of sedation have sufficiently decreased.

Temporary symptoms may include:

• Mild abdominal discomfort

• Bloating

• Gas

• Mild cramping

Patients receiving sedation may need someone to accompany them home and should follow the medical team's recovery instructions.

Potential Risks and Complications

Colonoscopy is commonly performed but, like any medical procedure, can have risks.

Potential complications may include:

• Bleeding

• Perforation of the colon

• Infection

• Abdominal discomfort

• Reactions to sedation or anesthesia

• Complications related to polyp removal

The risk can vary depending on the patient's condition and whether additional procedures are performed.

Advanced Colonoscopy

Some patients may require more specialized colonoscopic procedures because of:

• Large polyps

• Difficult-to-reach lesions

• Previous unsuccessful colonoscopy

• Complex anatomy

• Previous gastrointestinal surgery

• Suspected advanced disease

Advanced endoscopy specialists may be involved when clinically appropriate.

Colonoscopy and Pathology

If polyps or tissue samples are removed, they may be sent to a pathology laboratory.

Pathology can help determine whether the tissue is:

• Benign

• Precancerous

• Cancerous

• Inflammatory

• Associated with another condition

The pathology findings may influence future monitoring or treatment.

Follow-Up After Colonoscopy

Follow-up depends on the findings.

Patients may require:

• Routine screening at a later date

• Earlier repeat colonoscopy

• Additional imaging

• Specialist consultation

• Treatment for detected conditions

• Additional cancer evaluation

The recommended follow-up interval depends on the findings and individual risk factors.

International Patients

International patients seeking colonoscopy may provide previous medical records before traveling.

Useful documents may include:

• Previous colonoscopy reports

• Pathology reports

• Blood-test results

• Imaging reports

• Previous gastrointestinal diagnoses

• Medication list

• Previous surgical records

This information can help specialists understand the reason for referral and determine the appropriate evaluation.

Multidisciplinary Gastrointestinal Care

Depending on the findings, patients may receive care involving:

• Gastroenterologists

• Advanced endoscopists

• Gastrointestinal surgeons

• Pathologists

• Oncologists

• Radiologists

• Other specialists

This is particularly important when colonoscopy identifies complex lesions or suspected cancer.

Benefits of Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy can:

• Screen for colorectal cancer

• Detect colon polyps

• Allow selected polyps to be removed

• Identify sources of gastrointestinal bleeding

• Evaluate intestinal inflammation

• Obtain tissue samples

• Investigate unexplained bowel symptoms

• Help diagnose colorectal disease

Why Choose Mayo Clinic for Colonoscopy?

Mayo Clinic provides specialized gastroenterology and endoscopy services for routine screening as well as complex gastrointestinal conditions.

Patients may receive coordinated evaluation involving gastroenterology, advanced endoscopy, pathology, radiology, surgery and oncology when clinically appropriate.

Cost & Price on Request

Price: Price on Request

The cost of colonoscopy varies according to the patient's needs and the services performed.

Potential costs may include:

• Gastroenterology consultation

• Pre-procedure evaluation

• Bowel preparation

• Colonoscopy procedure

• Sedation or anesthesia

• Biopsy

• Polyp removal

• Pathology

• Facility services

• Follow-up consultation

A personalized cost estimate should be requested before treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a colonoscopy used for?

A colonoscopy is used to examine the colon and rectum, screen for colorectal cancer, investigate symptoms and detect abnormalities such as polyps or inflammation.

2. Can polyps be removed during colonoscopy?

Yes. Selected colon polyps can often be removed during the same procedure using specialized endoscopic techniques.

3. Is colonoscopy painful?

Sedation or anesthesia may be used to improve patient comfort. Some patients may experience temporary bloating or abdominal discomfort after the procedure.

4. How long does a colonoscopy take?

The procedure itself is commonly completed within a relatively short period, but the total appointment takes longer because of preparation, sedation, recovery and monitoring.

5. How much does a colonoscopy cost?

Price is available on request. The cost depends on the procedure, sedation, biopsy, polyp removal, pathology and other required medical services.

Product Details

Product Name: Colonoscopy

Hospital: Mayo Clinic – Rochester

Brand: Mayo Clinic

Country: United States

Specialty: Gastroenterology & Hepatology

Service Type: Colonoscopy

Dashboard Price: 0

Customer-Facing Price: Price on Request

International Patients: Available

Location: Rochester, Minnesota, USA