Colonoscopy (lower Endoscopy)

A colonoscopy is an examination of the entire large intestine (colon) and the final sections of the small intestine. It helps us detect bowel diseases such as colorectal cancer and inflammatory conditions at an early stage and allows us to remove polyps if necessary.

A colonoscopy can help clarify symptoms in the lower digestive tract or simply serve as a preventive screening examination. We particularly recommend it:

• from the age of 50 for colorectal cancer screening (earlier if medically indicated)
• if there is blood in the stool or noticeable changes in bowel habits
• in cases of recurrent abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation
• if polyps are suspected or in the presence of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

If you are unsure whether a colonoscopy is right for you, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to advise you personally and individually.

Good preparation helps us examine your bowel thoroughly and makes the procedure more comfortable for you. Please observe the following instructions:

• Bowel cleansing: You will receive a laxative to thoroughly clean the bowel.
• Diet: Please avoid high-fiber foods such as vegetables, fruit, or muesli for several days beforehand.
• The day before: From the afternoon onwards, drink only clear liquids (e.g. water, tea, clear juices). No milk and no coffee.

Don’t worry — we will take the time to explain everything to you personally during your visit. Alternatively, all information can also be provided digitally.

First, you will be given a sedative. The endoscope is then gently inserted through the anus, and the bowel is slightly inflated with CO₂ so that we can see everything clearly. Polyps can be removed immediately, and tissue samples can be taken if needed.

No, a colonoscopy is not performed under general anesthesia. Instead, you will receive a sedative. Sedation is standard unless you explicitly request otherwise.

We discuss your wishes and medical requirements with you in detail beforehand. You will receive all information about sedation and the procedure in an informed consent form, which must be signed no later than one day before the appointment. This ensures that you are well informed and prepared.

In rare cases, some people may experience mild abdominal pressure after the examination, which usually subsides quickly. Thanks to the medication, the procedure itself is completely painless for most patients.

A colonoscopy is a very safe procedure that is routinely performed. Our experienced team carefully monitors your safety and well-being throughout the examination. In rare cases, the following complications may occur:

• mild bleeding (0.5–2%), usually after removal of larger polyps
• small injuries to the bowel wall (perforation, 0.1–0.2%)
• circulatory or breathing problems related to the sedative
• complications during removal of larger polyps

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at any time — we are here for you.

After the colonoscopy, it is important to rest and follow a few precautions to ensure proper recovery:

• For about 12 hours, please do not drive a car, motorcycle, bicycle, or e-scooter, and avoid making important decisions or signing contracts, as you have received a sedative.
• If larger polyps were removed, we recommend avoiding air travel for approximately 14 days to give your body time to recover and to reduce the risk of bleeding.
• If you feel unwell after the examination — for example, if you develop a fever, notice blood in your stool, or experience increasing abdominal pain — please contact us immediately. We are always here for you and will continue to support you after the procedure.