Hello, I’m having a colonoscopy on Tuesday and wondering how long I’m likely to be in hospital for? I’ll just be having gas and air not sedation as I’ll have my children to look after later.
thank you
Hi Broxa I suppose it depends how long you have to wait before everything gets started but maybe 2-3 hours? They will ask you to get changed then perform the colonoscopy then take you to a room to come round a bit and have a bit of something to eat and then you’ll meet with a member of staff to discuss what they’ve seen and if any action has been taken eg. biopsies of any polyps for example
I went in at 10:40am on 21st March and I was leaving at 1:30pm and that was with sedation.
No cancer detected (despite a FIT of >400 ug/g and bowel changed). 5 biopsies taken from a ‘difficult colonoscopy’ and an ‘abnormal colon’. Sessile polyps, tubular adenomas and a looping bowel made for a tricky time for the doctor doing the procedure.
6-8 weeks for results.
Should be 2-3 hours - try to have someone able to give you a lift - take a book to read. After the horrible pre-op gunge the colonoscopy is quite easy
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2026 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007