Colonoscopy: Everything You Need to Know
It’s not a pleasant topic – but it’s such an important one: the colonoscopy (colonoscopy). Many people put it off for a long time, due to uncertainty or lack of knowledge. Yet a colonoscopy can save lives even before any symptoms appear. At our clinic in Vienna, we take our time, guide you step by step, and make sure you feel well cared for. What exactly happens during the procedure, when a colonoscopy makes sense, and what you should watch out for – we’ve summarized all of this for you in a clear and concise way.
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy medically referred to as a colonoscopy (colonoscopy), is an endoscopic procedure used to examine the rectum, the entire large intestine (colon), and the final section of the small intestine (terminal ileum). An endoscope, also called a colonoscope, is a flexible rubber tube or a metal tube equipped with a light source, lenses, and a camera. During the examination, tissue samples can also be taken and polyps can be removed. Colonoscopies are among the most frequently performed procedures in gastroenterology and are therefore considered routine examinations.
In addition to colonoscopy, there is also sigmoidoscopy or rectoscopy (examination of the rectum) and gastroscopy (examination of the stomach). This procedure involves a closer inspection of the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
When do you need a colonocopy?
Colonoscopy is a key tool in the diagnosis of intestinal diseases – it allows for the early detection and treatment of a wide range of conditions:
Diverticulosis / Diverticulitis
- Diverticulosis refers to the presence of small pouches (diverticula) in the intestinal wall, most commonly in the large intestine. These diverticula initially cause no symptoms and are often discovered incidentally.
- Diverticulitis is the inflammation of these diverticula. It can occur when stool particles or bacteria accumulate in a diverticulum, leading to infection and inflammation.
In a colonoscopy, the main goal is to detect possible diverticula, polyps, or narrowings, which can be surgically removed if necessary, and to rule out other conditions such as colorectal cancer, Crohn’s disease, and others.
Chronic inflammatory bowel disease
Diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are classified as chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and affect between 60,000 and 80,000 people in Austria. The symptoms of these two diseases include chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, as well as fatigue and exhaustion. More specific symptoms of the diseases include:
- Crohn’s disease: Inflammation throughout the entire digestive tract and pain in the upper right abdomen.
- Ulcerative colitis: Limited to the colon and rectum, with pain in the upper left abdomen.
Colon cancer prevention
Colorectal cancer screening is recommended for men starting at the age of 45 and for women starting at the age of 50. If colorectal cancer has occurred in one’s own family, preventive measures ideally begin at an earlier age. According to statistics, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and the second most common cancer in women in Austria. Every year, approximately 2,500 men and 1,900 women in Austria are confronted with the diagnosis of colorectal cancer, and around 3,000 people succumb to it annually.
A preventive colonoscopy offers the opportunity to detect polyps (adenomas) at an early stage, which could otherwise develop into colorectal cancer. These are immediately removed during the same examination (polypectomy). This actively prevents the development of colorectal cancer!
These are immediately removed during the same examination (polypectomy). This actively prevents the development of colorectal cancer! In this process, the intestinal mucosa is examined very closely. Narrowings and fistulas are also removed directly, and tissue samples are taken for further examination.
What types of colonoscopy are there?
- Traditional colonoscopy: the entire large intestine is examined using this method.
- Rectoscopy: Examination of the rectum to detect hemorrhoids, tumors, and bleeding.
- Sigmoidoscopy (left-sided colonoscopy): This involves examining the rectum and the final part of the colon (the sigmoid colon). It is primarily performed in cases of blood in the stool and suspected ulcerative colitis.
- Virtual colonoscopy: In this method, the colon is inflated with air and visualized using a computed tomography (CT) scan. Virtual colonoscopy has several disadvantages:
- No tissue removal possible: Polyps cannot be removed, and tissue samples (biopsies) cannot be taken. If anything suspicious is found, a traditional colonoscopy still needs to be performed.
- Radiation exposure: A CT (computed tomography) scan is used, which involves radiation exposure approximately 60 times higher than that of a standard X-ray.
- Overlooked small changes: Small polyps (<6 mm) or flat lesions are sometimes missed.
- Bowel preparation still required: The bowel must be cleaned just as thoroughly as for a traditional colonoscopy (laxative preparation).
What happens during a colonoscopy?
Before the examination
A colonoscopy requires a preliminary consultation of about 15 minutes – either in person or by phone – approximately one week before the examination appointment. This consultation serves to inform you about the procedure, and you will fill out a questionnaire regarding any potential risk factors. You will also receive a prescription and detailed instructions for bowel preparation.
You should avoid a high-fiber diet 2-3 days prior the colonoscopy. This means that raw fruits, raw vegetables, whole grain products, and muesli should be avoided if possible. On the day before the colonoscopy, you should switch to a liquid-only diet. Clear broths without any solid ingredients are suitable for this purpose. You should only drink light teas (green tea, white tea, chamomile, fennel), clear juices without pulp, and water.
On the evening before the colonoscopy, you will begin taking the laxative as part of the preparation. It is a modern preparation that requires you to drink less compared to traditional laxatives. From this point on, you should not eat anything, but you may continue to drink – coffee or beer are also allowed.
About five hours before the examination, you will take the second dose of the laxative. The colonoscopy can only be performed if the bowel is completely cleaned – otherwise, the examination will have to be postponed.
On the day of the examination, you should arrive at the clinic on an empty stomach. You may drink water up to one hour before the examination. You will change in a separate changing room that is directly connected to the endoscopy room.
During the examination
Before the start of the examination, an intravenous line will be inserted through which the sedative propofol is administered – you will gently fall asleep. The actual colonoscopy takes about 45 minutes. During the procedure, the colon is carefully examined, and any polyps found are removed immediately.
After the examination
After waking up and getting dressed, you’ll go to the recovery room with a comfortable recliner, water, and snacks, where you can gradually become fully alert again. Meanwhile, the doctor attends to the next endoscopy and then comes to you, hands over the written report, and discusses it briefly. Removed samples (polyps) are examined in the laboratory, and the results arrive at the clinic after about 10 days. Your doctor will interpret the findings for you and provide them in a form that is easy for non-medical individuals to understand—either by mail or email, depending on your preference—along with a prescription if necessary.
If you would like to discuss the report in detail, please schedule a paid consultation for a thorough review. Payment for all appointments is made on-site in cash or by card.
Approximately one hour after the examination, you are fully operational again. However, operating a car is not permitted on the day of the procedure.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Colonoscopy in Vienna
What is a colonoscopy?
During a colonoscopy, the large intestine is examined using a flexible endoscope. Polyps can also be removed, and tissue samples can be taken during the procedure.
Colonoscopy is a key tool in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases – it enables the early detection and treatment of a wide range of conditions. Through procedures such as taking tissue samples or removing polyps, potential diseases can be detected, treated, and even prevented at an early stage.
When is a colonoscopy necessary?
- Zur Vorsorge ab 45 Jahren
- Bei Verdacht auf Divertikulitis (nach Abheilung)
- Bei chronisch-entzündlichen Darmerkrankungen wie Morbus Crohn oder Colitis ulcerosa
- Bei Symptomen wie Blut im Stuhl, anhaltendem Durchfall oder Schmerzen
What can I eat before a colonoscopy?
You should avoid a high-fiber diet 2-3 days prior the colonoscopy. That means raw fruits, raw vegetables, whole grains, and cereal should preferably not be consumed during this time. On the day before the examination, it is recommended to have only clear soup for lunch and nothing else thereafter.
After the examination, you can resume normal eating immediately.
Do I need to take a day off from work?
Since you will start drinking the wash-out solution on the day before the examination in the late afternoon, you should plan to be at home from around 6:00 pm onward. In den Stunden vor der Coloskopie ist wegen der Darmreinigung ein normaler Arbeitsalltag schwer möglich, da Sie relativ häufig auf die Toilette gehen werden. However, working from home would likely be possible.
Since the examination is performed under sedation, you may still feel a bit tired afterward. It is therefore advisable to take the day of the examination off or at least allow for about 3 hours of recovery time afterward.
Do I need to bring someone with me?
The presence of a trusted person is not necessary. Approximately one hour after your examination, you will be fit again and can resume your usual activities. However, driving is expressly prohibited.
Therefore, if you come by car, a companion is required.
How does the hygiene process work?
All consumable materials are single-use and are therefore not cleaned but disposed of after use.
The endoscopes themselves are washed and disinfected in a special machine after use.
Is sedation absolutely necessary for a colonoscopy?
Theoretically, sedation is not necessary for a colonoscopy, and in the past, it was generally performed without it. Without sedation, however, a colonoscopy can be very painful and uncomfortable, which is why many patients used to be very fearful of it.
With today’s standard gentle endoscopy under sedation, this fear is completely unfounded, as the procedure is neither uncomfortable nor painful.
How deeply will I sleep during sedation?
Unlike general anesthesia, sedation with propofol puts you into a sleep-like state rather than full unconsciousness. You continue to breathe on your own and are monitored using standard measures (oxygen saturation, blood pressure), whereas general anesthesia involves a deep loss of consciousness, artificial ventilation, and intensive monitoring by an anesthesiologist.
Can I have a gastroscopy done together with a colonoscopy?
Yes, of course! Both examinations can also be performed in one session. Usually, the gastroscopy is performed first, followed by the colonoscopy.
What happens if colorectal cancer is detected during the examination?
Our medical team will promptly initiate all necessary next steps. We collaborate with selected, highly specialized doctors in hospitals and can quickly arrange the necessary appointments for you.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Give us a call, and we will schedule the necessary appointments directly over the phone. Since a colonoscopy should be well planned and the personal consultation covers important questions, unfortunately, online booking is not available for this procedure.
Two days before the appointments, you will receive a reminder from us.
What else should I keep in mind?
- You will receive all important information, including a checklist, during the preliminary consultation.
- Please arrive on time for your appointment.
- You pay after the examination either in cash or by card (bank transfer is not possible).
Colonoscopy Prices Co-Ordination
Here you find the costs for a colonoscopy:
| Examination | Prices |
|---|---|
| Colonoscopy | € 480.00 |
| Gastroscopy & colonoscopy | € 810.00 |
| Polyp removal | Depending on material and time required € 80-200 |
Reimbursement by Health Insurance Providers (as of 2025)
Here is an overview of the reimbursements provided by the health insurance providers:
| Examination | ÖGK-W | SVS | BVAEB | KFA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colonoscopy + sedation | € 229.41 | € 279.22 | € 347.29 | € 388.00 |
| Gastroscopy + colonoscopy + sedation | € 325.89 | € 438.41 | € 630.41 | € 614.03 |
| Polypectomy | € 51.46/Polyp | € 56.00 | € 48.88 | € 104.34 |
Further information on private practice invoices and submission can be found here.
Schedule an appointment now!
If you are interested in a colonoscopy at our clinic, please schedule an appointment by calling +43 1 402 05 85.
Physicians at our clinic who offer colonoscopy:
What our patients say
From a DocFinder user
A few weeks ago, I underwent an upper endoscopy for my reflux symptoms with Dr. Ulbrich. The examination went smoothly, was conducted with utmost professionalism, and to my complete satisfaction. Immediately after the examination, Dr. Ulbrich explained the preliminary results to me. For the discussion of the final findings a few days later, he also took more than half an hour, explaining to me in an understandable and open manner the health conditions present in my case. Thanks to his professional expertise, I have finally found the right treatment for myself. Due to his friendly, competent, and empathetic nature, I can highly recommend Dr. Ulbrich to you.
From a DocFinder user
Starting from the appointment scheduling, the reception at the practice, and subsequently the discussions/treatment with Dr. Ulbrich, everything is 100% recommendable. I had never had so much trust in a doctor before, like with Dr. Ulbrich. The pre-colonoscopy consultation was clear, and all my questions were answered to my fullest satisfaction. The appointment for the colonoscopy was arranged very quickly, the examination was extremely professional, and in no way uncomfortable. Dr. Ulbrich explained the preliminary results immediately after the examination, and the final report with explanations was sent to me via email. If necessary, I will certainly visit Co-Ordination or Dr. Ulbrich again.
From a DocFinder user
I had my first appointment on October 6, 2022, with Senior Physician Dr. Ulbrich for a preventive examination of the gastro and colon. In this initial contact, I was able to address my fears and express the desire to have the examination done in a way that suits my comfort.
Especially to not be aware of anything, and most importantly, to be able to fall asleep immediately.
Furthermore, in the patient education discussion, I was able to build security and trust.
The promise to fall asleep before the examination was completely fulfilled, and I woke up relaxed.
I would like to share my experience as a source of comfort for other patients as well.
Subsequently Dr. Ulbrich took the time for a detailed discussion of the findings. With his professionally competent knowledge and calm demeanor, I felt well taken care of. A big THANK YOU.
From a DocFinder user
I came to know Dr. Bognar as a competent physician who addresses concerns in detail and, during a gastroscopy, counteracts nervousness with calmness and a sense of humor. Exemplary clarification before the procedure, comprehensive discussion of findings afterward. An appointment for the initial consultation was available within two weeks, and follow-up appointments were scheduled on shorter notice. All in all, highly recommended.
From a DocFinder user
I came across Dr. Ulbrich on the internet, was looking for someone who is knowledgeable about iron deficiency. It was pleasant that the initial contact was through email, with the laboratory referral and discussion of results all done via email, which was convenient and time-saving. The iron infusion was done quickly and competently. Follow-up was also conducted via email, including laboratory referrals and discussion of results through email. Even in personal interactions, Dr. Ulrich made a friendly and competent impression. Anytime again!
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