There is not a specific requirement for how old you should be for a colonoscopy. Colonoscopies can also be performed on infants and children.
Generally if the patient has an underlying disease such as coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, or an immune system disorder, a colonoscopy cannot be performed.
If there is anorectal stenosis or infection, signs of peritoneal irritation, such as anal fissure, perianal abscess, intestinal perforation, peritonitis, etc., colonoscopy cannot be done either.
For female patients, colonoscopy should not be done during menstruation, pregnancy, or early pelvic surgery.
Colonoscopy can be done in all cases other than the above contraindications. Especially patients with the following indications:
1. Unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, chronic diarrhea, abdominal mass, pain in the middle and lower part of the abdomen.
2. Colon tumors, chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
3. Unexplained low intestinal obstruction.
It is recommended that patients requiring colonoscopy should consult a gastroenterologist for further assessment of the patient’s condition.