Definition

Noun: 1. A medical procedure for visual examination of the colon: A colonoscopy is a diagnostic and screening procedure in which a doctor uses a colonoscope—a long, flexible tube with a light and camera—to visually inspect the inner lining of the large intestine (colon) from the rectum to the cecum. It is typically performed while the patient is under sedation.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The doctor recommended a colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer.
  • During the colonoscopy, the physician discovered and removed several polyps.
  • Patients must follow a special diet and take laxatives to prepare for a colonoscopy.

Advanced Usage

• "To undergo a colonoscopy": To have the procedure performed.
  • He will undergo a colonoscopy next week as part of his routine health check.
• "Screening colonoscopy": A colonoscopy performed on an asymptomatic person to check for early signs of disease, such as cancer.
  • Screening colonoscopies are recommended for adults starting at age 45.

Variants and Related Words

• Colonoscope (noun): The instrument used to perform a colonoscopy.
  • The colonoscope transmits images to a video monitor.
• Colonoscopic (adjective): Relating to or used in a colonoscopy.
  • The colonoscopic findings were normal.

Synonyms

• Endoscopy of the colon: A more general term for internal examination of the colon.
• Colonic examination: A broad term for procedures inspecting the colon.

Related Phrases

• Virtual colonoscopy: A non-invasive imaging procedure (CT scan) that examines the colon, but does not use a colonoscope.
  • A virtual colonoscopy is an alternative for some patients who cannot have a standard procedure.

Noun

1. visual examination of the colon (with a colonoscope) from the cecum to the rectum; requires sedation