Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care for a health problem.
What is a colonoscopy? —
This is a test that lets the doctor look at the inner lining of the large intestine (figure 1). The large intestine is also called the colon.
People usually have a colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer. It can also check for polyps in the colon or rectum. Polyps are growths that could turn into cancer. If you have polyps, the doctor can usually take them out during the colonoscopy. This lowers your chances of getting cancer.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure that you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
If you had sedation, for the first 24 hours after your procedure:
●Do not drive or operate heavy or dangerous machinery.
●Do not return to work, make any important decisions, or sign any important papers.
●Do not drink alcohol of any kind.
●Do not do anything strenuous such as exercising.
As you recover:
●You might have mild gas or cramping. This is normal.
●You might have a little bleeding or see a small amount of blood in your bowel movements during the first few days.
●You can return to eating a normal diet, unless your doctor recommends that you change your diet.
●You can return to your normal activities tomorrow.
●You can start your regular medicines again as instructed.
What follow-up care do I need? —
Your doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to make a follow-up appointment. If so, make sure that you know when and where to go.
Talk to your doctor about when you need to have another colonoscopy. This depends on what your doctor found or if you are at higher risk for colon cancer. People with no polyps might be able to wait 10 years to have another colonoscopy. Other people might need to have another one sooner, based on the kind, size, and number of polyps found in their colon, and other things such as family history.
If you had a polyp removed or had biopsies taken, you will usually get the results within 14 days.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have belly pain that is much worse than gas pain or cramps.
●Your belly is hard and bloated.
●You are vomiting.
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●You have a lot of bleeding or clumps of blood coming from your anus.
Patient education: Colonoscopy (The Basics)
Patient education: Colon and rectal cancer screening (The Basics)
Patient education: Colon polyps (The Basics)
Patient education: Bloody stools in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Colitis (The Basics)
Patient education: Diverticulosis (The Basics)
Patient education: Sigmoidoscopy (The Basics)
Patient education: Colonoscopy (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Screening for colorectal cancer (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Colon polyps (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Blood in the stool (rectal bleeding) in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Flexible sigmoidoscopy (Beyond the Basics)
