Join Now | Sign in

Colonoscopy Health Article

Media Gallery

Images (2)

Colonoscopy

Marketplace

Licensed from

Page: < Back 1 2

What the risks are

Bowel perforation (a hole or tear in the wall of the colon), requiring a repair operation (fewer than 1 out of 1,000 tests)
Heavy or persistent bleeding from biopsy or polyp-removal sites (1 out of 1,000 tests)
Adverse reaction to sedative medication, causing breathing problems or low blood pressure (4 out of 10,000 tests)
Infection requiring antibiotic therapy (very rare)
Nausea, vomiting, bloating, or rectal irritation caused by medicines, taken by mouth, that cleanse the bowel

Special considerations

You must sign an informed consent form. Several hours rest is recommended after the test. To replace fluids lost because of laxatives and fasting, drink plenty of liquids after the test.

References

Pasricha PJ. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Sauders Elsevier; 2007:chap 136.

Page: < Back 1 2

Reviewer Info: Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 03/08/2008