What Really Happens During A Colonoscopy?

Scared about getting a colonoscopy? Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the entire colonoscopy journey, with insights from Dr. David Purow, a gastroenterologist at Northwell Health. You'll learn about what happens before, during, and after a colonoscopy. Knowledge is power, and when you know what to expect, there's nothing to fear about colon cancer screening—especially when snacks are involved!

1:29 - Arrival and Check-In
2:07 - Pre-Procedure Consultation
3:00 - Procedure Prep
5:19 - Procedure Walkthrough
9:07 - Post Procedure

Northwell Health is New York State’s largest health care provider and private employer, with 21 hospitals, about 900 outpatient facilities and more than 12,000 affiliated physicians.

We care for over two million people annually in the New York metro area and beyond, thanks to philanthropic support from our communities. Our 87,000 employees – 18,900 nurses and 4,900 employed doctors, including members of Northwell Health Physician Partners – are working to change health care for the better.

 We’re making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. We're training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies.

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[robertventura]

I am a colon cancer survivor of 12 years!! The first 5 years I got a colonoscopy each year then after that every 3 years!! I personally recommend getting a colonoscopy!! It’s definitely worth saving your life!!

[CookieB]

I’m 70 now and I’ve had 3 colonoscopy’s done. Each time they found between 1 to 3 polyps. It’s really important to have one done. I’ve already had breast cancer ( had to have a RM).
*I’m a cancer survivor !

[JoyWilliams-ih]

I had mine today 4/24/25 no problems, put to sleep and it was over in 30 minutes. Recovery was short. I got up got dressed and walked out. Had the best doctor and staff. Good job guys 👍🏼

[buggycars]

Dr. Purow and his staff is one of the most professional medical staffs I have ever used. Their facility is a top notch operation that performs flawlessly. I’ve had numerous exams here over my 73 years and in every case I have been totally
pleased. As others have mentioned it’s the best 30 minutes of sleep you’ll ever have. Don’t hesitate to get what could be a life saving examination taken care of.

[martelvonc]

If you are able, a tip to make the prep easier.. start a liquid diet a few days ahead of when you need to start your prep. Less poop inside of you means an easier more complete prep. I drink homemade low sodium chicken broth.

[rbjohnson]

I Was 63 when I got my first colonoscopy. And was diagnosed with colon cancer. I now am a huge advocate for having a colonoscopy. Not trying to scare anyone.but I had a wound vac for 6mos. 3 times a week dressing changes. It's been a crazy ride. Don't be me!!!! GET THE COLONOSCOPY!!!

[imsbvs]

I had this medical examinaton a few years ago, the examination was not difficult or painful but the stuff I was given to drink beforehand to clear my colon of waste material was vile, by far the worse liquid ever to pass between my lips. However, it did the job and the medics got good view of the inside of my colon. I had some ployps removed, these were lymphoma (blood cancer), a condition I had been living with since 2016. I semi woke up whilst the procedure was happening, watched the TV as the examination continued, certainly kept my attention and was totally pain free, not even scary, more facinating and most of the time I forgot that it was me there - and was pleased to have been able to see the examination in progress.

[williamgibb]

At age 72, have had 4 with no bad problems. This last one was the best ever. Younger Dr and great staff. Also had a scope down my esophagus first then the colon scope. No discomfort because of the great sleeping. Prep isn't bad as it seems to get better each time, different techniques. Always had a problem with the deflation of the CO2 leaving over 24hours. This time, no gas, better Dr? Its well worth the discomfort for safer health later.

[wc]

I have had maybe 8 colonoscopies due to family history. I admit that doing the prep can be a hassle drinking a gallon yucky stuff the night before. The procedure is a breeze. You go in they prep you, you go to sleep, they do the procedure, you wake up, they give you a soda and a muffin. You get dressed and somebody takes you home. It’s no big deal. You are out the entire time. If you are awake or have pain during the procedure you went to the wrong place.

[kathymiskovski]

I had mine on 4/25. A few good tips for the prep. 1. Start earlier so it’s not so harsh on your stomach. 2. When drinking the gatorade/mirilax, have a hot cup of chicken broth to sip in between. It’s a nice break from the taste of (so much) gatorade, plus it replaces the sodium you’re losing.

[Mary_and_Trucker_Joe]

1:02 I found the prep drama blown way out of proportion. Expected fireworks... Just a lot of fizz😂😂

[Biggestfoot]

I had my first one a couple of years. It was a piece of cake.. the nurses were fantastic, the Doctor was awesome, the anesthesiologist was very informative and friendly. I have no fear of the next one. The prep wasn’t bad at all other than getting up at 3 am. To take my last drink of the solution.

[jedisdad]

As a cancer survivor I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy every 6 months for 3 of the last 5 years then it moved to yearly. For the next 2 years. I am now on a 5 year monitoring program. This procedure is nothing to worry about except for the prep.

[JJ-qipy]

I’m going Friday and you put my mind to ease. I’ve been super anxious. Thank you for this video. 💯😂

[GabrielMark-hb]

Super fabulous easy! It's an adventure. Have had three. The first one made me nervous before yet once I was asleep and in good hands, I knew nothing till I woke in recovery. The next two were a piece of cake. It is one of the easiest procedures you can do with no recovery and if you start doing them at 40-45 you won't have a problem. I was anxious but treated with dignity by kind and caring people and of all the surgeries I can think of, this would be the best of a bunch. And I got snacks. PS: don't worry about the prep - do it, poop it and watch Netflix and relax with your phone off. The most straightforward life-saving preventative procedure you can do is one that doesn't hurt, and after a good night's sleep at home and a bite to eat, you're usually all set for five years. Colon cancer is amazingly avoidable. Don't hesitate. It's fun and the meds are great.

[michaeljohn]

Excellent Discourse on this most important issue. Cheers from Michael. Australia.

[atlsaturn]

Thank you for posting this video to help understand the steps during the day. I have to have one soon and am terrified. The procedure isn’t even scheduled yet, and I am already having trouble sleeping. One suggestion for a future video might be to talk more about the anesthesia, especially at what point the IV is placed and removed, how to cope with that pain and how to endure the long term pain of having it in. I imagine IVs could be their own video.

[brianmitchelldmd]

In the Navy, in 1974 they used a steel tube. There were no fiber optics then. There was no anesthesia or sedative then. It was just cold turkey. It was called, “Riding the Steel Stallion”.

[cookmaster]

The video missed the most important thing. some important questions and post procedure surprises.
1. Do you have Insurance?, After getting the Insurance details, and checking with insurance provider, you will be told it will cost X dollars, out of pocket.
2. A few days / weeks after the procedure you will get bills from doctors you didn't even see/ labs / Anesthesia office for bills that insurance doesn't cover.

[terrilreece]

I had one. The prep was a little intimidating. I knew if I didn’t do it correctly the first time, I would have to do another prep. Mine was super easy and quick. I got a clean bill of health for my colon. One last thing to worry about. 😊