colonoscope

A colonoscope is a medical instrument used in a procedure called a colonoscopy, which examines the interior of the colon, rectum, and anus. It is a narrow, flexible, lighted tube with a tiny video camera on its end that transmits images to a monitor.1

Colonoscopies serve as a screening tool for colon and rectal cancer, often detecting polyps, which can be precancerous. They are also used to diagnose conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, and diverticulitis, and to investigate symptoms such as abdominal pain or blood in the stool. Physicians recommend regular colonoscopies for individuals aged 45-75, depending on their risk factors. During the procedure, polyps can be removed, and tissue samples can be taken for biopsy.1