A colonoscopy is an exam used to look for any changes or abnormalities in the rectum, large intestine and terminal ileum. There are several reasons why you may be recommended to have this examination:

• Screening: The New Zealand government has implemented a bowel cancer screening programme which involves checking for blood in your stool. If this test comes back positive, a colonoscopy is recommended. For some patients, especially those with a family history of bowel cancer, it is best to proceed straight to having a colonoscopy.

• Bowel symptoms: a colonoscopy can be used to investigate potential causes of bleeding, constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and other problems.

• Surveillance: if you have had cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease it may be that you are advised to have regular colonoscopies to assess your bowel health

During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube is inserted and skillfully advanced around your bowel. A small camera at the tip of the tube allows us to see the inside of your bowel on a large high-definition monitor.

Colonoscopies can seem daunting. We do thousands of procedures a year at Intus, and take great pride in ensuring comfort, care and discretion.

From the warm ambience of our waiting areas to the friendliness of our staff, we aim to make you feel at home at Intus. Should you need a colonoscopy but prefer not to have it done at hospital, Intus offers you a private, caring alternative.

We undertake colonoscopy in Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown and Wanaka.

Preparing for your colonoscopy

To ensure an accurate examination, it is important that the bowel is completely clean. This requires a low residue diet commencing 3 days prior and a combination of a clear liquid diet and a special laxative preparation the day before the procedure.

You will be given full bowel preparation instructions before your procedure. In the meantime, visit our resources page to download more information about preparation.

What to expect for your colonoscopy

Your colonoscopy is performed in a calm, private environment in a procedure room at one of our Intus locations. The examination is an outpatient procedure which usually lasts 20 – 45 minutes. 

It is our objective to keep you comfortable during the colonoscopy. Depending on your preferences, you may be given a light pain relief and sedative intravenously to help maintain your comfort during the examination. 

What to expect afterwards

At the completion of the examination you will be taken to a recovery area for a period of rest and observation. You will be given something to eat and drink.

If you have taken sedation, you may feel a bit groggy after your colonoscopy so you will need to rest until the effects of the sedative have passed; this usually takes an hour or so. It will be necessary for you to arrange someone to transport you home after the procedure and stay with you for the next 2-3 hours.

The results of the colonoscopy will be reviewed with you at the completion of the procedure and you will be receive a written report.

Frequently asked questions

Where is a colonoscopy performed?

A colonoscopy is normally performed within the specialised Endoscopy Suites at Intus. It does not need to be performed in a hospital environment unless a general anaesthetic is required.

What is the difference between sedation and general anaesthetic?

Sedation is medication given intravenously to make you relaxed and drowsy during the procedure. You will usually remain awake but may fall into a light sleep. 

A general anaesthetic is a combination of medications given to render you completely unconscious. An anaesthetist is required to monitor your vital signs and breathing.

What preparation is involved for a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy requires a low residue diet 3 days prior and a combination of a clear liquid diet and a special laxative preparation the day before the procedure.

You will be given full bowel preparation instructions before your procedure. Generally speaking, any clear fluids (miso soup without solids, clear broth, electrolyte drinks) are all ok. If in doubt check with our nursing staff.

Visit our resources page to find out more.

How long afterwards could I resume normal activities?

If the procedure has been performed under sedation, recovery usually takes up to two hours after which time you will be able to eat or drink as you wish. If, however, you have had either of the procedures under general anaesthetic, recovery may take longer.

You should be able to resume normal activities the day after your procedure. However, you will not be able to drive for 24 hours following a general anaesthetic or sedation.

What happens after the procedure?

A written report is provided by your clinician after the procedure (with a copy to your GP) and further advice or diagnostic consultation are arranged as necessary.

What symptoms would alert me that I might need to have a colonoscopy?

You might have symptoms such as:

• Blood in your stool when you go to the toilet (you might notice blood in the toilet bowl, on the toilet paper, or covering the stool).

• A significant change in your bowel habits, such as having bowel movements more often each day or diarrhoea.

• Unusual change in weight (loss or gain).

Does a colonoscopy check my entire bowel?

A colonoscopy is a test to check inside your colon and rectum. Your colon and rectum make up the lower part of your gut and are often called your large bowel. A colonoscopy does not check your small bowel, which can be examined with Capsule Endoscopy. The oesophagus and stomach can be examined by Gastroscopy.