The risks of a colonoscopy are low. The most frequent complications, although rare, are the perforations and the bleeding. However, it is important to note that colonoscopy is a safe procedure and is not considered dangerous.
Perforation is a complication that occurs in less than 1% of colonoscopy exams. The risk is higher in elderly individuals with diverticular disease of the colon. However, the chances of perforation can increase and reach 2% when the polyps are removed.
The bleeding is much less frequent and occurs only in 0.05% of the colonoscopies. This complication is more common in people who have problems with blood clotting, especially when colonoscopy is performed along with other procedures, such as biopsy and polypectomy (removal of polyps). In these cases, the patient's chance of bleeding may reach 2.5%.
Drilling cases are usually treated through surgery, while bleeding can be stalled with the cauterization of the lesion.
If the patient has severe abdominal pain, persistent bleeding, large amounts of blood in the stool, fever, vomiting or chills, the doctor should be contacted urgently after colonoscopy.
The specialists appointed to perform the colonoscopy examination are the gastroenterologist, coloproctologist or colonoscopist.
Learn more at:
Is it normal to feel pain and bleed after the colonoscopy?
How is a colonoscopy done?
Colonoscopy Exam: How should I prepare?
Can Colonoscopy Detect Bowel Cancer?
