About Colonoscopy
Key Highlights
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Highly effective for early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer.Allows for both diagnosis and treatment (like polyp removal) in a single procedure.Provides a direct, high-definition visual assessment of the entire colon.Minimally invasive with no surgical incisions required.Considered the most accurate test for evaluating colon health and identifying the cause of digestive symptoms.
Who is this surgery for?
- Routine screening for colorectal cancer, typically starting at age 45.
- Investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding, blood in stool, or unexplained iron-deficiency anemia.
- Evaluation of persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation).
- Unexplained and persistent abdominal pain or cramping.
- Follow-up after a previous finding of polyps or colon cancer.
- Diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis).
- Assessment of abnormal findings from other tests, like a CT scan or stool test.
How to prepare
- Bowel Cleansing (Most Critical Step): You must follow a clear liquid diet (broth, gelatin, clear juices) for 1-3 days before the procedure.
- Laxative Solution: You will be prescribed a special oral laxative solution to drink the day/night before to completely empty your colon.
- Medication Review: Inform your doctor about all medications, especially blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel), which may need to be temporarily adjusted.
- Fasting: No solid food for at least 12 hours before the procedure; clear liquids may be allowed up to a few hours prior.
- Arrangements: Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure due to the sedatives used.
Risks & possible complications
- Reaction to the sedative medication, such as breathing difficulties or low blood pressure.
- Perforation (a small tear) in the colon wall, which is rare but serious and may require surgery.
- Bleeding, especially if a polyp is removed or a biopsy is taken, which usually stops on its own.
- Post-polypectomy syndrome, causing temporary abdominal pain and fever.
- Infection, though extremely uncommon.
- Incomplete examination due to inadequate bowel preparation or anatomical issues.
Recovery & hospital stay
- You will be monitored in a recovery area until the sedative wears off (1-2 hours).
- You may feel bloated or have mild cramping due to air introduced during the procedure; this passes quickly.
- You can resume a normal diet shortly after, unless instructed otherwise.
- Avoid driving, operating machinery, or making important decisions for the rest of the day.
- If a polyp was removed, you may be advised to avoid heavy lifting, aspirin, or NSAIDs for a short period.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, or persistent rectal bleeding.
- Your doctor will discuss preliminary findings before you leave and provide a full report later, including biopsy results if taken.
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Typical hospital stay: Same day (Outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering colonoscopy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for colonoscopy in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, KMC Hospital Mangalore, Manipal Hospital Baner, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform colonoscopy. MediFyr helps you compare gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for colonoscopy compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Colonoscopy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing colonoscopy.
Anjali Davis, a 48-year-old high school...
Anjali Davis, a 48-year-old high school biology teacher, had always been health-conscious. Her mother had been diagnosed with colon cancer at 55, so Anjali was vigilant. For several months, she noticed intermittent abdominal cramping and a subtle change in her bowel habits. Though she tried to attribute it to stress, her family history weighed on her. Her primary care physician, aware of her mother's history, strongly recommended a screening colonoscopy given she was now close to the age her mother was diagnosed. Anjali was deeply anxious in the weeks leading up to the procedure, fearing what might be found. The preparation was challenging, but the staff at the gastroenterology clinic were kind and reassuring. Under sedation, the procedure was painless. The gastroenterologist found and removed three benign polyps, which were sent for biopsy. Waking up, Anjali felt groggy but was immediately relieved to hear the preliminary good news. The biopsy later confirmed the polyps were pre-cancerous. Emotionally, she moved from a state of dread and fear to one of profound relief and empowerment. The procedure provided her with a clean slate and a powerful sense of taking control of her hereditary risk. She now advocates for early screening among her friends and colleagues.
Gastroenterologists for Colonoscopy
Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform colonoscopy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 25 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 34 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 8 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 14 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 18 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 49 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 32 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai