Does colonoscopy cause complications?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Vu Huy Binh - Digestive Endoscopy Doctor - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital
Colonoscopy is considered safe, does not pose any danger, and complications are rare if you perform it in a reputable medical facility, with highly skilled doctors and modern medical equipment.

1. What is a colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is a procedure in which a flexible tube with a camera with a diameter of about a finger is inserted through the anus through the rectum into the colon to examine the colonic lumen.
Colonoscopy helps detect abnormalities such as colitis, polyps, tumors or damaged areas, small cancers, even if only a few mm, and helps in the process of intervention to repair damage, cut colon polyps colon or biopsy samples easier and more accurate.
Colonoscopy is indicated in the following cases:
The treating doctor notices that there are abnormal signs on X-ray images or CT colonography. Perform periodically for patients with a history of colon polyps, colon cancer ... to screen for disease. The patient had bloody stools with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and irregular loose stools. People over 50 years of age should have a colonoscopy to detect colon polyps and remove polyps before they progress to cancer.

2. Colonoscopy procedure

Before the colonoscopy: Tell your doctor about the medicines you are taking at least 1 week before the colonoscopy and tell me if you are allergic to any drugs or not. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Avoid eating solid foods and only drink liquids for 1 day before the endoscopy. Colonoscopy process: Step 1: Take off your clothes and change into a hospital gown. Your doctor will instruct you to lie on your side with your legs bent high up to your abdomen. Step 2: The doctor will place the endoscope and blow air into the colon. The colon will swell to make it easier to see the lining of the colon and rectum through the monitor. Step 3: If there is an abnormality, or polyp, in the colon, the doctor will use a tool at the end of the endoscope to remove it or perform a biopsy. This procedure can cause bleeding at the site where the tissue was removed. After colonoscopy: You should stay in the hospital for at least 2 hours for the effects of the sedative or anesthetic to wear off. After your colonoscopy is done, you can go about your usual activities (such as eating and drinking).

3. Does colonoscopy cause complications?

Colonoscopy is an invasive examination technique, so, “Does colonoscopy cause complications?” is a question many people have. Accordingly, usually, colonoscopy usually takes place from 15 to 30 minutes or longer depending on the patient's condition. When seeing complications of colonoscopy, patients need to go to a medical facility for timely diagnosis and treatment. Some complications of colonoscopy include:
The endoscope causes tearing or perforation of the colon wall. Removing polyps or taking a biopsy sample can cause bleeding, but the amount of bleeding is minimal and can be controlled. There are some reactions to anesthetics. Severe abdominal pain. Fever, vomiting. Dizzy . Colonoscopy is considered safe, does not pose any danger, and complications are rare if you perform it at a reputable medical facility, with highly skilled doctors and modern medical equipment.
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