The time taken for colonoscopy is related to the type of examination and the condition of the bowel, and it usually takes anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.
Colonoscopy generally includes painless colonoscopy and general colonoscopy.
Painless colonoscopy is carried out under intravenous anesthesia, so that the patient is quiet, not anxious, and enters the state of “sleeping”, eliminating the sense of fear and discomfort, which can make the endoscopic examination and treatment operation smoother, and the time taken is relatively shorter, and it can be completed in 15 minutes for those with good intestinal conditions.
Ordinary colonoscopy, that is, without the use of anesthetics, colonoscopy is completed in the awake state. During the examination, patients may feel discomfort such as abdominal distension and abdominal pain. If the patient’s tolerance is good and the examination goes smoothly, it can be completed in 15 to 20 minutes, but if the patient’s tolerance is poor, the corresponding examination time may take longer.
In addition, if polyps, ulcers or tumors are found during the colonoscopy and a biopsy is needed for pathological examination, the time required is even longer, usually taking about 30 minutes.