Pediatric Colonoscopy Services
A colonoscopy is a safe, well-established procedure that allows our physicians to evaluate and treat conditions of the lower digestive tract in children. If your child needs a diagnosis, evaluation, or treatment for large bowel disease, our board-certified team is here to help. Call (708) 581-4911 or make an appointment online today at any of our five area locations.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a diagnostic test our physicians use to better understand your child’s digestive symptoms. It allows the doctor to look inside your child’s rectum, large intestine, the lower end of the small intestine, and bowel. Colonoscopies help our team identify:
- Swelling
- Ulcers
- Bleeding
- Polyps
Colonoscopies also allow the doctor to test for infection and help determine the underlying cause of your child’s discomfort.
Why Might Your Child Need a Colonoscopy?
Our pediatric gastroenterologists perform colonoscopies to diagnose and treat lower gastrointestinal disorders. The most common reasons a colonoscopy may be scheduled include:
- Blood in the stool
- Chronic or unexplained diarrhea
- Abdominal pain, to rule out intestinal inflammation
- Follow-up evaluation for a chronic condition affecting the intestinal lining
A colonoscopy is often part of diagnosing or monitoring conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
How Is a Colonoscopy Performed?
Before the colonoscopy, the doctor will instruct you on how to clean out your child’s colon. This usually involves oral medication taken up to two days before the procedure, along with plenty of clear liquids. After taking the medication, your child should not consume solid food or any non-translucent liquids until after the procedure. On the day of the colonoscopy, your child should refrain from drinking for at least two hours beforehand, as most children receive general anesthesia to sleep comfortably through the procedure.
During the colonoscopy, the physician uses a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope, fitted with a high-quality video chip that functions like a camera. The endoscope is inserted through the anus and gently extended into the rectum and large intestine, allowing the doctor to view the area and collect tissue samples for testing.
What Happens After a Colonoscopy?
Once the procedure is complete, the doctor will discuss the initial findings with you. Biopsy results are typically reviewed at your child’s follow-up visit. Most children wake up within two hours of completing the colonoscopy. After your child is awake and has had liquids, they are generally free to go home and may resume eating as usual.
For detailed preparation instructions, visit our Patient Information page. To find out if a colonoscopy is right for your child, call (708) 581-4911 or make an appointment online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a colonoscopy safe for children?
Yes. Colonoscopy is a safe, well-established procedure that has been used in pediatric patients for decades. It is performed with careful attention to your child’s comfort and safety, and most children receive general anesthesia so they sleep comfortably throughout.
How should my child prepare for a colonoscopy?
Preparation involves cleaning out the colon with oral medication taken up to two days beforehand and following a clear liquid diet. Your child should stop drinking at least two hours before the procedure. Detailed instructions are available on our Patient Information page.
Will my child be awake during the colonoscopy?
Most children receive general anesthesia and sleep through the entire procedure. This helps ensure they remain comfortable and still, allowing the physician to perform a thorough and accurate examination.
How long does a colonoscopy take?
The procedure itself is usually relatively brief, though you should plan for additional time for preparation, anesthesia, and recovery. Most children wake up within two hours of completing the colonoscopy and can go home the same day.
When will we get the results?
The doctor will discuss initial findings with you shortly after the procedure. If tissue samples are collected, biopsy results are typically reviewed at your child’s follow-up appointment.
Can my child eat normally after the procedure?
Once your child is awake and has had some liquids without issue, they can generally resume their normal diet. Your care team will provide any specific post-procedure instructions before you leave.
What conditions can a colonoscopy help diagnose?
A colonoscopy can help diagnose and monitor conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and the causes of chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, or blood in the stool.