Learn about Colonoscopy Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Colonoscopy and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a vital diagnostic and therapeutic procedure performed by a gastroenterologist to examine the inner lining of your large intestine (colon) and rectum. Using a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope, which has a light and a tiny camera, the doctor can view the entire colon on a monitor. This procedure is the gold standard for detecting abnormalities like polyps, inflammation, ulcers, and early signs of colorectal cancer. It also allows for immediate interventions, such as removing precancerous growths or taking tissue samples (biopsies) for further analysis. Colonoscopy is a cornerstone of preventive healthcare, recommended for routine screening starting at age 45, and is crucial for investigating symptoms like unexplained abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or persistent changes in bowel habits.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: Same day (Outpatient)
  • checked 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.

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.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 87 – USD 381 Same day (Outpatient) ~ 1-2 days Know More
Turkey USD 644 – USD 2,818 Same day (Outpatient) ~ 1-2 days Know More

Top hospitals for Colonoscopy in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing colonoscopy.

Manipal Hospital Rangapani

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon13 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
  • Icon79 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
  • Icon44 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Patiala

  • IconPatiala, India
  • Icon52 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon129 Doctors

Gem Hospital Perungudi

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon41 Doctors

Gem Hospital Aminjikarai

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon200 Doctors

KMC Hospital Mangalore

  • IconMangalore, India
  • Icon38 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon57 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon150 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Ranchi

  • IconRanchi, India
  • Icon41 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Jaipur

  • IconJaipur, India
  • Icon55 Doctors

Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon94 Doctors

SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon71 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Medanta The Medicity

  • IconGurgaon, India
  • Icon900 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

I'd been to three other doctors...

I'd been to three other doctors for this nagging pain and fatigue. Everyone said it was stress. Dr. Latha at MGM was the first one who actually sat and listened, really listened, to everything I was saying. She ordered a specific test the others hadn't, and it turned out to be something quite rare. She explained it all to me in plain Tamil, drew diagrams on a notepad. I was scared, but she laid out a clear plan. It's been a long road, but I finally feel like we're getting somewhere.

Gastroenterologists for Colonoscopy

Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform colonoscopy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Amarkishen Shetty
  • 37 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sandeep Gopal Krishna N R
  • 33 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dheeraj Karanth C
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jayaraj S P
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. B Vishwanath Tantry
  • 41 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sudipto Ghosh
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Umesh K J
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Prasad Bhate
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Baner

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anurag Shetty
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

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Dr. Prashanth Pn
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Maruthesh Gowda C
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Antriksh Kumar
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ranchi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Tuhin Subhra Mandal
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Uddhavesh M Paithankar
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Harish K C
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Monika Sekaran
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Tamil
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Gem Hospital Aminjikarai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Puneeth B S
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jayanth Leo
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Tamil
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Gem Hospital Aminjikarai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sambit Kumar Bhuyan
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ajay Kumar A V
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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