Skip to main navigation Skip to main content Skip to footer For Medicare For Providers For Brokers For Employers Español For Individuals & Families: For Individuals & Families Medical Dental Other Supplemental Explore coverage through work How to Buy Health Insurance Types of Dental Insurance Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment See all topics Shop for Medicare plans Member Guide Find a Doctor Log in to myCigna
Home Knowledge Center Wellness Library How is a colonoscopy done?

How is a colonoscopy done?

Anatomy of the colon

Anatomy of the colon
slide 1 of 5
slide 1 of 5, Anatomy of the colon,

During a colonoscopy, the doctor will be able to look at the inside of your entire large intestine (your colon). This includes the cecum (which is attached to the small intestine and is the beginning of the large intestine), the ascending colon, the transverse colon, the descending colon, the sigmoid colon, and the rectum.

The colonoscope is placed in the colon

A person having a colonoscopy
slide 2 of 5
slide 2 of 5, The colonoscope is placed in the colon,

You will be given medicine through a needle in your vein. This is called an intravenous (IV) line. The medicine will make you sleepy. You may lie on your left side with your knees pulled up to your belly. The doctor will gently put a gloved finger into your anus. Then he or she will put the thin, flexible colonoscope in your anus and move it slowly through your colon.

The doctor looks inside the colon: Part 1

Colonoscope in the colon
slide 3 of 5
slide 3 of 5, The doctor looks inside the colon: Part 1,

The doctor can look at the inside lining of your colon through the scope or on a computer screen hooked up to the scope.

The doctor looks inside the colon: Part 2

Colonoscope in the colon
slide 4 of 5
slide 4 of 5, The doctor looks inside the colon: Part 2,

The doctor will look at the whole length of your colon as the scope is gently moved in and then out of your colon.

Views of a normal colon and a colon polyp

A healthy colon and a colon polyp
slide 5 of 5
slide 5 of 5, Views of a normal colon and a colon polyp,

A polyp is a small growth of excess tissue that often grows on a stem or stalk. Colon polyps are growths in the colon or rectum.

Some polyps are attached to the wall of the colon or rectum by a stalk or stem (pedunculated). Some have a broad base with little or no stalk (sessile).

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

© 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>

Page Footer

I want to...

Get an ID card File a claim View my claims and EOBs Check coverage under my plan See prescription drug list Find an in-network doctor, dentist, or facility Find a form Find 1095-B tax form information View the Cigna Glossary Contact Cigna

Audiences

Individuals and Families Medicare Employers Brokers Providers

Secure Member Sites

myCigna member portal Health Care Provider portal Cigna for Employers Client Resource Portal Cigna for Brokers

The Cigna Group Information

About Cigna Healthcare Company Profile Careers Newsroom Investors Suppliers The Cigna Group Third Party Administrators International Evernorth

 Cigna. All rights reserved.

Privacy Legal Product Disclosures Cigna Company Names Customer Rights Accessibility Non-Discrimination Notice Language Assistance [PDF] Report Fraud Sitemap Cookie Settings

Disclaimer

Individual and family medical and dental insurance plans are insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (CHLIC), Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc., and Cigna HealthCare of Texas, Inc. Group health insurance and health benefit plans are insured or administered by CHLIC, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CGLIC), or their affiliates (see a listing of the legal entities that insure or administer group HMO, dental HMO, and other products or services in your state). Accidental Injury, Critical Illness, and Hospital Care plans or insurance policies are distributed exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, are administered by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, and are insured by either (i) Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT); (ii) Life Insurance Company of North America (“LINA”) (Philadelphia, PA); or (iii) New York Life Group Insurance Company of NY (“NYLGICNY”) (New York, NY), formerly known as Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. The Cigna name, logo, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. LINA and NYLGICNY are not affiliates of Cigna.

All insurance policies and group benefit plans contain exclusions and limitations. For availability, costs and complete details of coverage, contact a licensed agent or Cigna sales representative. This website is not intended for residents of New Mexico.

Selecting these links will take you away from Cigna.com to another website, which may be a non-Cigna website. Cigna may not control the content or links of non-Cigna websites. Details