Colonoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to look at the inner lining of your large intestine (rectum and colon). A thin, flexible tube called a colonscope is used to look at the colon. The colonoscope has a small video camera attached so that your doctor can take pictures of the large intestine. A colonoscopy helps find ulcers, colon polyps, tumors, and areas of inflammation or bleeding. During the colonoscopy, tissue samples can be collected (biopsy) and abnormal growths can be taken out. Colonoscopy can also be used as a screening test to check for cancer or precancerous growths in the colon or rectum. This procedure is performed out patient at The Endoscopy Center at Southwest General Health Center.