Colonoscopy

This procedure allows doctors to view the entire length of the large intestine, called the colon, and the end of the small intestine, called the terminal ileum. This is an important step to help identify abnormal growths, inflamed tissue, ulcers and bleeding. While your child is asleep, the doctor will guide a long, flexible, lighted tube with a tiny camera, called the colonoscope, in through the rectum and up into the colon. In addition to examining the area, the doctor may also remove a small sample of tissue (about 1 mm) for biopsy at the same time. Your child’s bowels will need to be empty before the test, which requires taking a medication such as MiraLAX. Please ask your doctor for more guidance on how to clean out your child’s intestines.

Learn more about what to expect with a colonoscopy, colonoscopy or endoscopy procedure by viewing informational videos.