What is the purpose of a colonoscopy?

The primary purpose of a colonoscopy is to visualize the inside of the colon. This procedure involves inserting a flexible tube equipped with a camera, called a colonoscope, into the rectum and advancing it through the colon. It allows healthcare providers to examine the lining of the colon and identify various conditions such as inflammation, polyps, or tumors.

Colonoscopy is often used for screening purposes, particularly for colorectal cancer, as well as for investigating gastrointestinal symptoms like rectal bleeding or persistent abdominal pain. During the procedure, if any abnormalities are detected, the physician can often take biopsies or remove polyps for further examination, which adds to the effectiveness of the colonoscopy as both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool.

The other options refer to entirely different medical procedures, such as surgeries related to the gallbladder, the musculoskeletal system, and obstetrics, which do not involve examining the colon directly. Thus, these alternatives are not relevant to the purpose of a colonoscopy.