A colonoscopy is a procedure where a thin flexible tube with a camera on the end is advance through the colon (large intestine) while you are asleep to look for and remove lesions.  It has been available in the United States for about 40 years, and luckily, has advanced a lot over that time.  It is done Monday through Friday here at my San Antonio, TX gastroenterology clinic.  When you arrive for your colonoscopy you will be checked in by my endoscopy nursing team to obtain your medical history and get you an IV so we can make you comfortable for your exam.  You will then be seen by the anesthesiology provider to discuss your sedation.  Then you will speak with me to go over things further and answer any last questions you may have.  This whole process takes about 30-60 minutes.  Once you’re in the endoscopy suite you will be given medication through your IV to make you sleepy and comfortable.  You will be awake enough that you are breathing on your own but sleepy enough that you don’t feel any discomfort during your exam.  While you are asleep, I will pass the colonoscope (small thin tube) along the inside of your colon until it hooks up with your small intestine on the other side (about 5-6 feet in total).  Any polyps along the way will be removed at this time.  The exam takes about 15-30 minutes, and then you will go to the recovery room where you will slowly wake up.  Once you are awake (about 30-60 minutes) I will go over the results of your exam with you before you go home and you will get a copy of the report for your records.