While a colonoscopy can provide life-saving insight into your digestive health, it is a medical procedure that nonetheless comes with risks and complications. These issues are rare and dwarfed by the potential benefits of colon cancer screening, but it's still important to discuss the following important points with your physician.
Improper Preparation
If a patient is not capable of completely clearing his or her bowel tract, there can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous complications. If the bowel is not properly cleaned, leaving fecal matter in the tract, the medical instruments used to conduct a colonoscopy will not be able to pass through the tract properly. This can cause damage that can require surgery to repair. Following dosage instructions on any bowel-cleansing product is the best way to prevent these complications.
Perforation
Although it is unlikely, there is the possibility of perforation of the intestinal wall during a colonoscopy. This usually happens in a very small number of cases and is marginally due to human error. This takes place when a medical instrument creates a hole or puncture in the intestinal wall. While there is no way for the patient to prevent this type of medical complication, asking your medical practitioner about his or her history with such a complication is appropriate. In the event that a puncture takes place, surgery is the most likely way to fix the problem.
Bleeding Issues
Internal bleeding can also be a problem for some patients. This can happen during the procedure itself or for approximately one week after the procedure. Speaking with a medical practitioner about any blood-related diseases or anemia is necessary prior to having the colonoscopy completed. Medical staff will be able to take proper precautions if you make them aware of the history of blood loss as a result of surgical procedures. The risks of taking blood thinners and aspirin prior to the procedure is not worth the potential complications. Many times, the internal bleeding after the procedure will take care of itself without the need for medical attention.
Polypectomy Syndrome
There is a small percentage of patients who develop polypectomy syndrome, which is a burn on the inside of the intestines. This can be difficult to treat if the condition is severe. The increasing pain as a result of the internal damage can make the recovery process extremely uncomfortable. Sometimes bed rest is suggested along with intravenous fluids if a fever results from the condition. Speaking with a medical professional on a regular basis is necessary if there is a likelihood that a person has been burned internally.
Anesthesia Complications
A small percentage of the population will have difficulty with the anesthetics they are given for the procedure. Some people will feel the aftereffects of the drugs for several days after having the colonoscopy. It is important to inform a medical professional of any prior issues you have had related to anesthesia.
