Colonoscopy in Ogden & Brigham City, Utah
What is a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure performed at Ogden Clinic GI at McKay serving Ogden and Salt Lake City, Utah, to examine the inner lining of the colon, also known as the large intestine, and the rectum. The colonoscopy procedure can aid in determining the cause of changes in bowel activity, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding, as well as detect early possible signs of cancer, such as colon polyps.
A colonoscopy procedure is performed with a tool called a colonoscope, which has a small camera attached to a flexible tube that can reach the entire length of the colon. During a colonoscopy, tissue samples may be collected for a biopsy, and abnormal growths may be removed.
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Reasons for procedure
Colonoscopies are recommended as an option for people who are at increased risk of developing cancer of the colon or rectum, known as colorectal cancer or CRC. This type of cancer is much easier to treat when detected early. Risk factors that may contribute to the development of colorectal cancer include:
- Personal or family history of colorectal polyps
- Age, especially if the patient is 50 or older
- Personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Poor diet
- Family history of colon or rectal cancer
- Heavy alcohol use
- Lack of exercise or physical activity
- Diabetes
Colonoscopy is one of the most widely used procedures in modern gastroenterology, valued for its ability to give physicians a direct, detailed view of the lining of the colon and rectum. During the exam, a flexible instrument equipped with a small camera is gently guided through the large intestine, allowing the specialist to inspect the tissue, identify areas of inflammation, and look for growths such as polyps that could develop into more serious conditions over time. Because many digestive concerns progress quietly, this visual approach offers a level of clarity that external imaging and laboratory work alone often cannot match, making it a foundational tool in routine digestive care.
Beyond its diagnostic purpose, colonoscopy also plays an important therapeutic role. When small polyps or concerning tissue changes are identified, the physician can often address them during the same visit using instruments passed through the scope, removing growths or sampling tissue for further evaluation. This combination of observation and treatment in a single session helps many patients avoid the need for additional procedures and supports earlier intervention when something unusual is found, contributing to more confident long-term management of colorectal health.
Preparation is a key part of a successful colonoscopy experience. Patients are typically asked to follow a clear liquid diet for a period before the procedure and to use a prescribed bowel preparation to cleanse the colon thoroughly. A well-prepared bowel allows the physician to see the mucosal surface clearly, which in turn improves the accuracy of the examination. Although the preparation phase can feel inconvenient, it is generally brief, and clinical teams usually provide written instructions and support to help patients move through it comfortably and with confidence.
Several personal and lifestyle factors can influence an individual's risk for colorectal concerns, which is why gastroenterology specialists pay close attention to each patient's full history. Elements such as a personal or family history of polyps, advancing age, inflammatory bowel conditions, obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol use, a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, and dietary patterns are all considered when discussing screening timelines and preventive strategies. Recognizing these contributing factors allows for a more personalized approach to digestive health and supports earlier, more proactive conversations about when evaluation may be appropriate.
For people living with ongoing digestive symptoms or with known risk factors, colonoscopy is often one part of a broader gastroenterology evaluation that also includes review of related organs and systems. The esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, and small intestine can all influence how the colon functions and how symptoms are experienced, so a comprehensive perspective is essential. By integrating colonoscopy results with the patient's overall history, laboratory findings, and other diagnostic insights, the care team can build a more complete picture and guide each person toward informed next steps in their digestive health journey.
Preparing for colonoscopy
Prior to the colonoscopy, patients will be given a set of written instructions to follow. A clear liquid diet must be adhered to for about 1 to 2 days before the procedure. Some clear liquids that may be consumed during this time period include water, strained fruit juices, fat-free broth, sports drinks, gelatin and clear teas or coffees.
Depending on the instructions provided, a laxative or enema may be required. Patients will need to drink a special bowel cleansing solution the day before the procedure. Most medications can still be taken although some, such as aspirin or blood thinners, may require special instructions.
Colonoscopy Procedure
A colonoscopy is generally performed as an outpatient procedure. Before the colonoscopy begins, a light sedative will be administered through an intravenous, or IV, the line to make the patient comfortable. Vital signs will be closely monitored throughout the procedure. The patient is positioned to lie on his or her left side as the colonoscope is gently inserted into the anus. The scope will then be carefully moved into the lower portion of the large intestine and guided upward toward the lowest portion of the small intestine.
The scope will then be slowly withdrawn from the colon, and the lining of the colon is carefully examined by the physician. If necessary, the removal of polyps, or growths, for biopsy may also be conducted during the procedure. The colonoscopy procedure usually takes between 20-40 minutes to perform.
Recovery
After the colonoscopy procedure, the patient will be kept for observation for up to 2 hours, until the sedative used for the procedure wears off.
Reflexes and judgment may be impaired and driving is not permitted for 24 hours after the procedure. Some people may experience pressure, bloating and cramping in the abdomen after the procedure, but these side effects are temporary and well tolerated.
Complications
A colonoscopy is considered a safe and effective procedure, with a very little risk of complications. If complications do occur, they may include:
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Mild abdominal cramping
- Dizziness
- Bleeding from the biopsy site
- Perforation of the bowel wall
- Infection
- Reaction to the medication used in the IV
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