Colonoscopy in Málaga
Examination of the entire large bowel to investigate symptoms and for bowel cancer screening, with polyp removal in the same examination.
The bowel examination
During a colonoscopy the entire large bowel is examined with a flexible endoscope. It is the most accurate method for detecting polyps, inflammation or tumours.
Polyps are removed during the same examination. That makes colonoscopy not only a diagnostic test but the most effective prevention against bowel cancer.
When a colonoscopy makes sense
- Bowel cancer screening from age 50 or with family risk
- Blood in the stool or a positive stool test
- Changed bowel habits, diarrhoea or constipation
- Unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Follow-up after polyp removal
Step by step
- 1
Preparation
A light diet the day before and the bowel-cleansing solution in the evening. Before the sedation: 12 hours without solid food and 6 hours without water. You receive precise instructions.
- 2
Examination
With sedation. Polyps are removed directly and sent for analysis.
- 3
Afterwards
Rest and discussion of the findings. Do not drive yourself on the day; the next day everything is back to normal.
What patients often ask
Is the bowel preparation unpleasant?
The preparation is the most demanding part, but very manageable. Thorough preparation matters so that even small polyps are reliably detected.
Does the examination hurt?
No. With sedation, most patients sleep through the entire examination.
How long will I be in hospital?
Allow around two to three hours, including preparation and rest after sedation.