Colonoscopy Complications

Colonoscopy complications, although rare, are something to consider before scheduling your procedure. There are risks involved both during and after a colonoscopy that you can avoid by taking some basic preventative measures. Some complications are minor, while others are more severe. But in either case, preventative measures can help you avoid them altogether.

Preventative Measures Prior to a Colonoscopy

Cleansing your colon and drinking plenty of fluid before, during and after the procedure very important. The preparation process causes your body to lose significant amounts of fluid, so it’s important to stay hydrated. It is actually recommended that you start hydrating your body several days before the actual colonoscopy.

Preventative Measures – Fluid

It is crucial to drink 32 ounces of fluid in the hours just before the prep is started, and a total of 200 ounces throughout the day of the procedure. A sugar-electrolyte solution, along with water, is preferable. One of the most important reasons for staying hydrated is the fact that you will be under some for of anesthesia which is know to have dehydrating effects.

Preventative Measures – Medications

Avoiding taking blood thinning drugs such as Heparin, Persantine, Ticlid or Coumadin for a week prior to and a week after the procedure as this helps to reduce the risk of bleeding. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, especially if polyps were removed. Remember to eliminate any blood thinning herbs and supplements as well.

Perforation – The Most Common Risk during Colonoscopy

The most common risk factors that can cause colonoscopy complications include perforation during, and hemorrhage after the procedure, infection, and side effects from the anesthesia. Recognizing the symptoms and contacting your doctor immediately upon noticing these symptoms can greatly reduce their risk.

Causes of Perforation

Perforation is a hole, or a series of holes, punched or torn into the tissue, usually caused by the tip of the endoscope during insertion or probe, and also commonly during the removal of biopsy tissue or polyps. Perforation was estimated to occur in about 0.2% of the diagnostic colonoscopies and 0.6% of the time when biopsy is performed, and normally occur in patients over 60 years of age.

Symptoms of Perforation

The patient may notice symptoms immediately, but most often they occur after several hours or days. Symptoms of perforation include abdominal pain and fever, and severe cases have surgery as an available treatment, while milder cases can be treated with antibiotics, careful monitoring, and bowel rest.

Hemorrhage

Hemorrhage is the presence of blood in the stool after the colonoscopy has been performed, and is more common after biopsy has been completed. Although some blood in the stool is common within 2 weeks of the procedure, anything more than 1 teaspoon warrants a call to your physician. Incidence of significant hemorrhage is less than 0.1% after a diagnostic colonoscopy, and 1-2% after polypectomy.
Infection and/or Reactions to Anesthesia

Colonoscopy complications from anesthetic medications include symptoms such as respiratory problems, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, reaction to the injection site, and other common allergic reactions. Also, although rare, infection can occur when the surgical instruments have not been sterilized properly. Most colonoscopy complications that include infection occur in older, less healthy patients.

These colonoscopy complications can be greatly reduced by staying healthy and preparing your body with a good colon cleanse prior to the procedure. Staying well hydrated before, during and after your procedure is of vital importance. A thoroughly cleansed colon and a hydrated body are your best defense against complications.