Diagnostic Services
Learn about...Colonoscopy at GCMC
The Purpose of the Procedure
Insurance Coverage
Preparation for the Procedure
The Day of the Procedure
The Colonoscope
The Procedure
What the Physician Sees
After the Procedure
Home Again and Discussion of Test Results
Summary
The Colonoscope
Oftentimes the first question a patient asks is: "May I see the instrument?"
The colonoscope is about 3 feet long. The tip has a light and can be bent through 360 degrees. The light allows the physician to see and go around corners.
There are channels for injecting and removing air and water and a method to keep the lens clear. Another channel allows the surgeon to insert forceps to take tissue samples and a snare to remove a polyp.
Needless to say, the equipment undergoes very thorough cleaning and disinfecting procedures.