A colonoscopy is the most accurate method for diagnosing and evaluating colon cancer and rectal processes. The medical community recommends that all patients aged 45 and older have a colonoscopy as a screening tool. You should also schedule a colonoscopy if you are experiencing symptoms of rectal bleeding, weight loss or a change in your bowel habits.

Colonoscopy: What you need to know

• A colonoscopy is a procedure that gastroenterologists — specialists in gastrointestinal disease — use to detect polyps, ulcers, tumors or bleeding in your colon.
• Using a colonoscope, a minimally invasive tool with a long flexible tube and tiny camera, your physician will be able to clearly view the lining of the colon.
• Colonoscopies can be performed in a hospital’s outpatient department, a clinic or doctor’s office. Once you have been given anesthesia to prevent feeling any pain, the colonoscope is inserted through the rectum and moved through the bowel.
• If polyps are found during the screening, your physician will be able to remove them with the scope’s surgical tools so they can be examined.
• Prior to your appointment, you will be given complete instructions on how to prepare for the procedure.

Colonoscopies: Our expertise

Experience you can trust

At UF Health Gastroenterology in Jacksonville, our board-certified specialists in gastroenterology are regional leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disease and offer comprehensive care to provide you with the best possible outcomes.

Advanced research and technology

As a part of a leading academic health center, our care team can offer you the most advanced research-based treatments to provide you with the best possible outcomes.

Convenient care

Our gastroenterologists perform colonoscopies at several convenient locations.