Quick Answer
Colonoscopy is a painless, sedation-supported examination of the entire large intestine. It is the gold standard for evaluating bleeding, chronic diarrhea, polyps, IBD and for colon-cancer screening. Dr. Anando Sengupta performs colonoscopy at Fortis Shalimar Bagh as a day-care procedure with same-day discharge.
When colonoscopy is recommended
- Blood in stool, black tarry stools, or unexplained anaemia
- Persistent diarrhea (> 4 weeks) or chronic constipation
- Suspected inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis)
- Lower abdominal pain not explained by other tests
- Unexplained weight loss
- Family history of colon cancer or polyps
- Routine screening from age 45–50
- Surveillance after polyp removal or in long-standing IBD
- Therapeutic: polypectomy, EMR, ESD, dilatation, haemostasis, decompression
What we can detect & treat
| Finding | What we do |
|---|---|
| Polyps | Removed in same sitting (polypectomy / EMR) |
| Colon cancer | Biopsy + tattooing for surgery; multidisciplinary referral |
| IBD (UC, Crohn's) | Map extent & severity; biopsies for histology |
| Diverticulosis | Identification, bleeding control if active |
| Bleeding lesions | Clip, adrenaline injection, thermal coagulation |
| Strictures | Balloon dilatation |
How to prepare
3 days before
- Avoid fibre-rich foods (whole grains, seeds, raw vegetables, beans, leafy greens)
- Continue regular medications unless told otherwise
Day before
- Clear fluid diet: water, clear soup, apple juice, lemonade, weak tea/coffee without milk, ORS
- Take the prescribed bowel preparation in two split doses (evening + early morning)
- Do not take iron tablets for 7 days before
Day of procedure
- Last clear fluid 2 hours before
- Bring a companion — you cannot drive home after sedation
What happens during colonoscopy
- Anaesthetist places an IV cannula and gives sedation
- You lie on your left side
- The colonoscope is passed through the anus and advanced to the caecum (about 1.5 metres of colon)
- Mucosa is inspected during withdrawal — this is when polyps are detected
- Polyps are removed with snare or hot biopsy forceps in the same sitting
- Biopsies are taken from any abnormal areas
- Procedure ends; you wake up gradually in recovery
After the procedure
- Mild bloating that resolves in 1–2 hours
- Light meal once fully awake
- Same-day discharge with companion (no driving for 24 hours)
- Histology report in 5–7 days; follow-up plan based on findings
Risks (rare)
- Bleeding (mostly after polyp removal) — usually self-limited
- Perforation — less than 1 in 1,000 diagnostic, slightly higher with polypectomy
- Sedation-related — managed by anaesthetist
Frequently Asked Questions
Colonoscopy is the examination of the entire large intestine (colon) and the last part of the small intestine using a flexible camera passed through the anus. Both diagnosis and treatment (polyp removal, biopsy, bleeding control) are possible.
No. Modern colonoscopy is performed under intravenous sedation administered by an anaesthetist. Most patients sleep through the procedure and feel only mild bloating afterwards.
Bowel preparation is the most important step. You will take a PEG-based laxative the evening before and early morning of the procedure to clean the colon. Clear fluids are allowed; solid food is stopped 24 hours before.
Diagnostic colonoscopy takes 20–45 minutes. Polypectomy or therapeutic interventions add 10–20 minutes. Total time at the hospital, including preparation and recovery, is about 4–5 hours.
Indians without symptoms or family history should consider screening from age 45–50. Earlier if there is a family history of colon cancer or polyps, hereditary syndromes, IBD, or red-flag symptoms.
Diagnostic colonoscopy with biopsy at Fortis Shalimar Bagh costs ₹10,000–₹18,000. Polypectomy adds ₹3,000–₹8,000 depending on number and size of polyps. Cashless on most insurance panels.
Most insurers cover colonoscopy when done with admission for symptoms (bleeding, anaemia, IBD, suspected cancer). Pure screening colonoscopy may not be covered — check your policy.
Yes. Dr. Anando Sengupta consults at North Delhi Nursing Home, Ashok Vihar Phase II (Mon–Sat, 5:30–7:30 PM) — within easy reach of Model Town (3 km), GTB Nagar, Mukherjee Nagar, Wazirpur and Shastri Nagar. Morning slots and procedures (endoscopy, colonoscopy, ERCP, EUS) are at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh (~3 km from Pitampura, with cashless insurance on all major panels). Both clinics serve patients from across North Delhi.
