Procedure · Endoscopic Procedures

Screening and diagnostic colonoscopy

Painless day-care procedure · Apollo Nellore

Colonoscopy is the single best test to detect early colon cancer and remove pre cancerous polyps. It is also the most accurate way to diagnose conditions like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and chronic diarrhea. Dr. Reddy performs colonoscopy at Apollo Nellore as a day care procedure under sedation.

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01 · Endoscopic Procedures

What is colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy uses a flexible tube with a camera to examine the entire colon and the last part of the small intestine (terminal ileum). It is performed under sedation, takes 20 to 40 minutes, and you go home a few hours later.

02 · Endoscopic Procedures

When is colonoscopy recommended?

Bleeding from the rectum
Change in bowel habits (persistent constipation or diarrhea)
Unexplained abdominal pain
Iron deficiency anemia
Inflammatory bowel disease screening or follow up
Family history of colon cancer
Screening for colon cancer (typically from age 45 to 50)
Surveillance after polyp removal

03 · Endoscopic Procedures

Polyp removal during colonoscopy

Most colon cancers start as small polyps that are slow to turn malignant. Removing them during colonoscopy prevents future cancer. Dr. Reddy removes polyps during the same procedure whenever found, in line with international guidelines.

04 · Endoscopic Procedures

Preparation

1 day low residue diet
Bowel preparation drink the evening and morning before
6 hours fasting on the day
Bring a family member as you cannot drive after sedation

05 · Endoscopic Procedures

What to expect

During	Light sedation for comfort. 20 to 40 minute procedure.
After	1 to 2 hour observation, then discharge the same day.
Reports	Verbal report immediately. Biopsy results within a week if needed.

06 · Endoscopic Procedures

Risks

Diagnostic colonoscopy is very safe (perforation in less than 1 in 2000 cases). Polyp removal slightly increases the risk of bleeding, which is usually controlled during the procedure itself.

07 · Endoscopic Procedures

Why Dr. Reddy for colonoscopy

Surgical Gastroenterologist with extensive colonoscopy experience
Polyps removed during the same procedure (no second visit)
HD imaging at Apollo Nellore for clear visualisation
Proper bowel preparation guidance for high quality examination

08 · Endoscopic Procedures

Frequently asked questions

At what age should I start screening colonoscopy?

Average risk patients should start at age 45 to 50. If you have a family history of colon cancer, start 10 years earlier than the affected family member's age at diagnosis.

Is colonoscopy painful?

With sedation, most patients sleep through the procedure with no memory of discomfort.

How often do I need a colonoscopy?

If your colonoscopy is normal, every 10 years for average risk patients. If polyps are found, every 3 to 5 years depending on type and number.

Related conditions

Conditions this procedure treats.

ICD-10 · C18-C20

Colorectal Cancer

Cancer of the colon or rectum. The fourth most common cancer worldwide. Curative-intent surgery, often combined with chemotherapy and radiation, is the standard of care for resectable disease.

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Next step

Over 45, family history of cancer, or new bowel symptoms? Book a colonoscopy on WhatsApp.

Book a colonoscopy on WhatsApp