Quick Answer
No, they do not put a tube down your throat during a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a procedure that examines the inside of the large intestine (colon and rectum) using a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope. The colonoscope is inserted through the anus up into the rectum and colon. It does not go through the mouth or down the throat at any point during the procedure.
What is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to examine the inside of the large intestine. The large intestine consists of the colon and rectum. During a colonoscopy, a doctor inserts a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope into the anus. The colonoscope has a tiny video camera and light on the end that allows the doctor to see inside the colon and rectum on a monitor as they guide the scope through.
Colonoscopies are used to:
- Check for polyps or precancerous growths
- Screen for colorectal cancer
- Evaluate unexplained changes in bowel habits
- Check the cause of unexplained abdominal pain
- Assess inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease
- Confirm sources of unexplained bleeding
If any polyps are found during the procedure, the doctor can remove them right away using tiny instruments passed through the colonoscope tube. Removing polyps can prevent colorectal cancer.
How a Colonoscopy is Performed
Before the colonoscopy, the patient will need to follow a clear liquid diet and use a laxative solution at home to thoroughly clean out the colon. This bowel preparation empties the colon so that the doctor can see the intestinal lining clearly during the procedure.
Colonoscopies are typically performed at a hospital or medical clinic. The basic steps are:
- An IV is inserted into a vein in the arm to administer sedative medications.
- The patient lies on their side on an exam table.
- The lubricated tip of the colonoscope is gently inserted into the anus and carefully advanced through the rectum and into the colon.
- The doctor inflates the colon with air to give a better view. This may cause mild cramping.
- The colonoscope camera transmits images to a monitor so the doctor can thoroughly inspect the intestinal lining for any abnormalities as they slowly remove the scope.
- If any suspicious areas or polyps are seen, tiny instruments can be passed through the colonoscope to biopsy or remove polyps.
- After the doctor finishes examining up to the beginning of the small intestine, the colonoscope is slowly withdrawn.
- The procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes.
- Afterwards, the patient rests as the sedation wears off then goes home.
Why a Tube is Not Put Down the Throat
During a colonoscopy, the colonoscope is inserted through the anus up into the rectum and colon. It does not go through the mouth or down the esophagus (food pipe) at any point. Therefore, there is no need to place a tube down the patient’s throat.
The colon and rectum are part of the digestive system located in the abdomen. The esophagus and stomach are upper digestive organs located in the chest.
Colon vs Esophagus Anatomy
| Colon and Rectum | Esophagus and Stomach |
|---|---|
| Located in the abdomen | Located in the chest |
| Part of the lower digestive tract | Part of the upper digestive tract |
| Leads from the small intestine to the anus | Leads from the mouth to the stomach |
| Tube-like organ attached to the small intestine | Muscular tube connecting the mouth and stomach |
To examine the upper digestive organs like the esophagus or stomach, the doctor uses an endoscope called an upper endoscopy. This procedure runs a flexible tube with a camera down the throat to view the esophagus, stomach, and beginning of the small intestine.
So in summary, a colonoscopy only examines the colon and rectum located in the abdomen. No tube is put down the patient’s throat because there is no need to insert instruments through the mouth to reach these lower digestive organs.
Preparing for a Colonoscopy Without Throat Tube
Since no tube goes down the throat, the preparation for a colonoscopy focuses on thoroughly emptying and cleaning out the colon.
Here are some tips to prepare for a colonoscopy:
Medications
Let your doctor know if you take blood thinners or diabetes medications. You may need to adjust your usual medication schedule before the colonoscopy. Your doctor will provide specific instructions.
Diet
For up to 3 days before the procedure, you will need to follow a restricted diet of only clear liquids like:
- Water
- Clear broth
- Plain gelatin
- Popsicles
- Clear juices like apple juice
- Coffee or tea without milk or cream
- Clear, carbonated beverages
Avoid any red or purple liquids, milk products, or pulp-containing juices. Sticking to clear liquids will help clear out your colon for the procedure.
Bowel Prep
The day before your colonoscopy, you will need to take a powerful laxative solution like polyethylene glycol. Follow the preparation instructions exactly to empty your colon.
Stay near a toilet once you start the bowel prep, as it causes urgent, watery diarrhea. The laxative solution flushes out your entire colon to provide a clear view during the colonoscopy.
Other Tips
- Arrange for a ride home, as you will be drowsy after the procedure.
- Wear loose comfortable clothing.
- Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions or allergies.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions about eating or drinking before your colonoscopy.
What to Expect During a Colonoscopy
Wondering what it will be like to undergo a colonoscopy? Here is what you can expect:
At the Healthcare Facility
You will be asked to change into a hospital gown. Then nurses will insert an intravenous (IV) line into your arm vein to deliver sedation during the procedure. The IV medications will make you feel relaxed and sleepy.
In the Exam Room
You will lie comfortably on your side on an exam table with your knees bent towards your chest. A sheet will cover you.
The doctor will perform a digital rectal exam first with a lubricated, gloved finger to check the tone of the anal sphincter muscles. This helps guide colonoscope insertion.
During the Procedure
The doctor will gently insert the lubricated colonoscope tube into your anus and advance it slowly through your rectum and colon. You may feel mild cramping or the urge to have a bowel movement. Breathe deeply and relax your abdominal muscles to ease any discomfort.
You may feel some pressure, bloating or cramping when the doctor inflates your colon with air to get a better view. Taking slow deep breaths can help with discomfort. Let the doctor know right away if you feel significant pain.
You will be able to watch the colonoscopy on the monitor if you wish. The procedure is usually complete within 30-60 minutes.
After the Colonoscopy
You will stay in a recovery area until the sedation fully wears off. You may feel bloated from the air inserted into your colon. You will be able to pass gas and use the bathroom after the procedure, which should relieve the bloating.
A friend or family member will need to drive you home, as you will still be groggy from the sedation. You should be able to resume your usual activities the next day.
Your doctor will inform you of the test results at a follow-up visit or by phone. Biopsy results may take several days.
Colonoscopy Risks and Complications
Colonoscopies are generally very safe, but like any medical procedure, come with some risks:
- Heavy sedation can cause breathing problems or depress heart rate and blood pressure. Monitoring by an anesthesia professional minimizes this risk.
- Bleeding can occur from biopsy or polyp removal, but is usually minimal.
- Tear or puncture of the colon lining (perforation) is a rare complication that may require surgery to repair.
- Missed lesions can occur if the prep does not sufficiently clear stool out of the colon.
Talk to your doctor about whether the benefits of getting a colonoscopy outweigh any potential risks in your situation.
Recovery After a Colonoscopy
Here are some tips for recovering comfortably after your colonoscopy:
Rest
Take it easy for the remainder of the day after your colonoscopy. You may feel sleepy from the sedation medications given.
Diet
You can resume your usual diet after the procedure. Start with gentle foods first like broth, soup, yogurt or toast. Drink plenty of fluids.
Medications
Resume your normal prescriptions unless otherwise advised by your doctor. Use over-the-counter pain relievers as needed for soreness.
Activity
Refrain from vigorous activity, heavy lifting and alcohol for 24 hours after the colonoscopy. You should be able to return to your normal routine the next day.
Complications
Call your doctor right away if you experience severe abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, fever or weakness.
Conclusion
In summary, no – doctors do not put tubes down your throat for a colonoscopy. The colonoscope tube is inserted through the anus to view the colon and rectum only. It does not go through the mouth or esophagus at any point.
Preparation involves following a clear liquid diet and taking a laxative solution to clear out the colon. Risks are low and include bleeding and perforation.
Let your doctor know if you have any concerns about getting a colonoscopy. With the right prep, the procedure is safe, effective and an important screening test for colorectal cancer.