Colonoscopy: What This Test Is and Adverse Events to Watch For After Your Procedure

A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor uses a long, flexible tube with a tiny camera to look inside your large intestine (colon) and rectum. It helps find polyps, inflammation, bleeding, or signs of cancer, and some problems can often be treated during the same exam.

This test monitors for adverse events (complications or side effects) that may occur after a colonoscopy procedure. A colonoscopy is an examination of the large intestine using a flexible scope with a camera. While generally safe, like any medical procedure, complications can sometimes occur. Healthcare providers use this assessment to detect, monitor, and manage any post-procedure issues.

Common adverse events after a colonoscopy include mild bloating, gas, and cramping for a few hours afterward, as well as small amounts of blood in the stool if a biopsy was taken or a polyp was removed. These effects are usually temporary and go away on their own within a day or two.

The most common adverse events include: 1) Bleeding, which may occur immediately after the procedure or several days later if a polyp was removed; 2) Perforation (a small tear in the intestinal wall), which is rare but serious; 3) Reactions to sedation medications; 4) Abdominal pain or discomfort; 5) Infection; and 6) Rarely, complications from anesthesia.

Watch for symptoms such as severe or worsening belly pain, fever, heavy or persistent rectal bleeding, repeated vomiting, dizziness or weakness, or a hard, swollen abdomen. These may be signs of a more serious adverse event, such as a tear in the colon or an infection, and need prompt medical attention.

After your colonoscopy, seek immediate medical attention if you experience: severe or worsening abdominal pain, heavy rectal bleeding (more than a few teaspoons), fever above 101°F (38.3°C), chills, vomiting, dizziness, or difficulty breathing. Mild bloating, cramping, and small amounts of blood in the first bowel movement are usually normal and should improve within a day or two.

Your care team assesses adverse events by reviewing your symptoms, checking your vital signs, and performing a physical exam. If needed, they may order blood tests or imaging studies to look for complications. Report any new or worsening symptoms right away so any problem can be evaluated and treated early.

Assessment may include physical examination, review of symptoms, and blood tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia from bleeding, or other chemistry tests to evaluate for signs of infection or inflammation. Your healthcare provider will determine which tests are needed based on your symptoms and the findings during your procedure.