After completing a rectal examination, a colonoscope is passed through the entire colon/ large intestine. This can diagnose diseases such as colitis, remove colon polyps, diagnose causes of rectal bleeding, or change bowel habits. A colonoscopy can also be used to screen for colorectal cancer, be diagnostic, or be therapeutic, sometimes all in the same session. Your initial results and procedure note will be sent to your primary care physician. If pathology is taken, it will be processed by a GI Pathologist. Please call or make an appointment to discuss the results within 2-3 weeks.  All colonoscopies require bowel preparation that starts the day before the examination. A laxative solution (prescription or over the counter) is to be taken per instructions for an optimal bowel cleanse. Inadequate cleansing of stool from the colon leads to a less than optimal examination with risk of missing polyps and other pathology. On the day of your colonoscopy, your stool should be as clear and yellow as your urine ideally.