The colon, which is part of the large intestine, is a large muscular tube approximately five feet long that aids in removing water from the body’s waste products. Common colon problems include polyps (growths on the colon wall), diverticula (small pockets in the colon wall), or tumors. Colon surgery is usually recommended to remove tumors, large or hard to reach polyps, or diverticula.

A colonoscopy is an exam of your colon (large intestine or bowel). This procedure uses a slim, flexible lighted tube with the camera at the tip.