Complications After Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure which allows the physician to examine and visualize the lining of the colon or large intestine for the presence of any abnormalities. This procedure uses a long, narrow flexible lighted tube which is inserted through the anus, carefully advancing to the rectum and then to the colon. Colonoscopy may cause slight discomforts like bloating and cramping. Generally it’s very tolerable, according to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, but complications after colonoscopy can include bowel wall perforation, bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to sedatives 12.
Bowel Wall Perforation or Tears
Bowel wall perforation is the creation or development of a hole in the large bowel. With colonoscopy, there is a risk for tearing the bowel wall, and when this medical emergency happens, surgery and repair is required. The symptoms for bowel wall perforations include fever, chills and severe abdominal pain, according to MedlinePlus, a website supported by the National Institutes of Health..
Bleeding and Bloody Bowel Movements
Complications of Abdominal Hernia Mesh Repair
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Bleeding or a bloody bowel movement is one of the possible complications after colonoscopy. Although this is not common, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearing House, the risk for such condition is still there. Aside from visual examination of the colon, removal of abnormal looking tissue or polyps can also be done using tiny tools that are inserted together with the tube. The removal of such material can cause bleeding that is easily managed by electric probes or anti-bleeding medications.
- Bleeding or a bloody bowel movement is one of the possible complications after colonoscopy.
- The removal of such material can cause bleeding that is easily managed by electric probes or anti-bleeding medications.
Infection
Adverse Reactions to Sedatives
Appendix Surgery Side Effects
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Sedatives and pain medications are used to help the patient feel relaxed and comfortable during the procedure. In colonoscopy, the patient is made to lie on their left side on top of the examination bed or table. Afterward a light to heavy sedative is given to make the patient as comfortable as possible. Adverse reactions to sedatives after colonoscopy may include a decreased pulse rate, slow respirations and low blood pressure, according to MedlinePlus. Sedatives wear off in time; the patient will typically be able to recover shortly after a few hours.
- Sedatives and pain medications are used to help the patient feel relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.
- Sedatives wear off in time; the patient will typically be able to recover shortly after a few hours.
Related Articles
References
- American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: Understanding Colonoscopy
- MedlinePlus: Gastrointestinal Perforation
- Ranasinghe I, Parzynski CS, Searfoss R, et al. Differences in Colonoscopy Quality Among Facilities: Development of a Post-Colonoscopy Risk-Standardized Rate of Unplanned Hospital Visits. Gastroenterology. 2016;150(1):103-13. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2015.09.009
- American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer. Updated February 21, 2018.
- Ko CW, Riffle S, Michaels L, et al. Serious complications within 30 days of screening and surveillance colonoscopy are uncommon. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2010;8(2):166–173. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2009.10.007
- Mamula P, Adler DG, Conway JD, et al. Colonoscopy preparation. Gastrointest Endosc. 2009;69(7):1201-9. doi:10.1016/j.gie.2009.01.035
- Arora G, Mannalithara A, Singh G, Gerson LB, Triadafilopoulos G. Risk of perforation from a colonoscopy in adults: a large population-based study. Gastrointest Endosc. 2009;69(3 Pt 2):654-64. doi:10.1016/j.gie.2008.09.008
- American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures 2017-2019. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2017.
- Reumkens A, Rondagh EJ, Bakker CM, Winkens B, Masclee AA, Sanduleanu S. Post-Colonoscopy Complications: A Systematic Review, Time Trends, and Meta-Analysis of Population-Based Studies. Am J Gastroenterol. 2016;111(8):1092-101. doi:10.1038/ajg.2016.234
- Jehangir A, Bennett KM, Rettew AC, Fadahunsi O, Shaikh B, Donato A. Post-polypectomy electrocoagulation syndrome: a rare cause of acute abdominal pain. J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2015;5(5):29147. doi:10.3402/jchimp.v5.29147
- Amornyotin S. Sedation-related complications in gastrointestinal endoscopy. World J Gastrointest Endosc. 2013;5(11):527–533. doi:10.4253/wjge.v5.i11.527
Writer Bio
Helen Nnama has six years of writing experience. She is a health contributor to TBR Journal, editor of fertility confidential manuals, published poet, and a greeting card writer. She has a B.S. in microbiology, an M.S. in epidemiology, and is an M.D. candidate. A former state HIV/AIDS epidemiologist and NIA fellow at Johns Hopkins, she has research experience with published work.