Colonoscopy

Procedure Overview

Colonoscopy at Gangnam Heartscan Healthcare Center is a high-definition endoscopic examination performed within our Digestive Health Screening & Gastroenterology center to inspect the entire mucosal lining of the large intestine (colon and rectum) and terminal ileum. Using Olympus high-definition video colonoscopes operated by board-certified gastroenterologists within our clinical faculty of 16 board-certified specialists, the procedure detects colorectal polyps, adenomas, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulosis, and early colorectal neoplasms, and allows same-session Endoscopic Diagnosis & Treatment when clinically indicated. View our gastroenterology specialists in the Medical Staff Directory.

Clinical Indications

• Preventive colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyp screening for adults
• Evaluation of changes in bowel habits, chronic diarrhea, constipation, lower abdominal pain, or rectal bleeding
• Follow-up surveillance after previous colonic polyp removal (polypectomy)
• Investigation of positive fecal occult blood tests or unexplained iron-deficiency anemia, often combined with Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy)

Clinical Examination Summary Table

Parameter / Examination	Clinical Purpose	Preparation / Protocol
Olympus High-Definition Total Colonoscopy	Visualizes the rectum, colon segments, cecum, and terminal ileum mucosa	3-day low-residue diet (avoid seeds, seaweed, whole grains) plus split-dose bowel prep
Endoscopic Biopsy & Polypectomy	Removes precancerous adenomatous polyps and samples inflamed mucosa for pathology	Advance hold of aspirin, clopidogrel, or anticoagulants under physician guidance
Monitored Conscious Sedation	Enhances comfort during colonoscopic navigation under vital-sign monitoring	Post-procedure recovery rest; refrain from driving on the day of examination

How the Screening Works

1. Pre-Procedure Dietary & Bowel Cleansing: Patients follow a 3-day low-fiber dietary protocol and complete the prescribed bowel-cleansing solution regimen to ensure clear mucosal visibility.
2. High-Definition Colonoscopic Inspection: With the patient lying in the left lateral position under monitored conscious sedation, the gastroenterologist advances the flexible colonoscope to the cecum and carefully inspects the mucosa during withdrawal.
3. Recovery & Specialist Consultation: After resting in the recovery lounge, patients review findings and pathology schedules with the specialist and coordinate follow-up via our Consultation & Inquiry Desk.

Preparation & Precautions

• For 3 days before the examination, avoid seeded fruits (watermelon, grapes, kiwi, strawberries), seaweed, mushrooms, nuts, and whole grains that can obstruct endoscopic visualization.
• Patients taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications must consult their prescribing physician and notify our medical team in advance before scheduling colonoscopy or polypectomy.
• Potential procedural risks (including transient abdominal cramping from air insufflation, post-polypectomy bleeding, or rare bowel perforation) are reviewed prior to consent, and patients who undergo polypectomy should avoid air travel and strenuous exercise for 1–2 weeks as advised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a 3-day low-residue diet necessary before taking the bowel preparation solution?

Fine seeds, fruit skins, seaweed fibers, and whole grains remain adhered to the colonic mucosa even after drinking bowel-cleansing solutions. Avoiding these high-residue foods for 3 days prior ensures unobstructed optical visibility so the gastroenterologist can detect flat or millimeter-sized adenomatous polyps.

Can colonic polyps be removed immediately during a screening colonoscopy?

Yes, when benign-appearing or adenomatous polyps of appropriate size are identified during a screening colonoscopy, the gastroenterologist can perform endoscopic polypectomy during the same session and submit the resected tissue for histopathological analysis, provided anticoagulant medications were managed in advance.