A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that involves the examination of the interior of the colon (large intestine) and rectum using a flexible tube called a colonoscope, which is equipped with a camera and light. It is commonly used to detect abnormalities such as polyps, tumors, and signs of inflammatory bowel disease, as well as to screen for colorectal cancer. The procedure generally requires bowel preparation to clear the intestines, and it is usually performed by a gastroenterologist.