Colonostomy

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Colonoscopy? Colonostomy is a common misspelling of colonoscopy.

A colonoscopy is a type of medical procedure typically done to check for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum. This procedure can also help to determine the cause of unexplained changes in bowel habits. You will probably be given pain medication and a mild sedative to keep you comfortable and to help you relax during the procedure. Your healthcare provider will insert a long, flexible, lighted tube (colonoscope) into your rectum and slowly guide it into your colon. If anything abnormal is discovered during this procedure (such as a polyp), it can be removed using tiny instruments passed through the scope.

(Click Colonoscopy for the full eMedTV article. This article takes a detailed look at what to expect during a colonoscopy, including information on how the procedure is performed and possible risks involved. You can also click any of the links in the box to the right for specific information.)