From time to time, we hear or read about medical procedures that can be ineffective and needlessly drive up the nation’s health-care costs. This occasional series explores such needless treatments or ...

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure. A doctor inserts a camera mounted on a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope into your rectum and colon. Colonoscopies are done to prevent, treat, and monitor ...

Preparing for a colonoscopy isnt anyones favorite task, but its important to empty your colon sufficiently so your doctor can see what's inside very clearly. While it can be unpleasant to take a ...

Taking laxatives is an important step in preparing for a colonoscopy. Laxatives help empty the bowels so a doctor can examine the colon thoroughly. If a person forgets to take the laxative, they may ...

A colonoscopy is a telescopic and visual examination of the colon and rectum. It helps doctors detect abnormalities in the bowel, including signs of colorectal cancer, polyps, unexplained diarrhea, ...

When it comes to undergoing a colonoscopy, a screening test for colon cancer, many patients agree that the preparation is the worst part. To clear the colon and rectum for doctors to examine them for ...