Translations available: Spanish
During a colonoscopy (ko-lon-ah-sko-pee), the doctor uses a flexible tube with a light and a video camera to examine the inside of the colon (the large intestine). Pictures may be taken, and a biopsy (by-op-see) may be done: a pin-head sized piece of tissue is taken for study.
To help keep stools soft, encourage plenty of juices and other liquids. Adding fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and bran to the diet can also help to keep the stools soft.
Your child can return to school or day care the day after the colonoscopy.
If a biopsy was done, the doctor will call you with the results within 7 to 10 days. If you have not heard the results after 2 weeks, please call the doctor.
This sheet is not specific to your child, but provides general information. If you have any questions, please call the clinic.
Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota
Patient/Family Education
2525 Chicago Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Last reviewed 8/2015 ©Copyright
This page is not specific to your child, but provides general information on the topic above. If you have any questions, please call your clinic. For more reading material about this and other health topics, please call or visit Children's Minnesota Family Resource Center library, or visit www.childrensmn.org/educationmaterials.
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