According to the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, a colonoscopy is a test used to assess the lining of the colon and rectum for abnormalities such as colon polyps, colon cancers, ulcerations, bleeding and inflammation. During colonoscopy, gastroenterologists insert a flexible fiberoptic scope known as colonoscope in the colon. Images of the colon are transmitted from the colonoscope to a computer. Some patients may experience abdominal pain after colonoscopy due to several reasons.
Bloating
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, doctors pump carbon dioxide gas in the colon in order to inflate the colon for clearer viewing. Most patients experience abdominal pain and cramping due to bloating caused by excess gas in the colon. Patients may relieve abdominal pain due to abdominal bloating by passing excess gas found in the colon.
Colon Tear or Perforation
According to the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, colon perforation is an adverse side effect of colonoscopy. Colon perforation occurs when the colonoscope punctures the wall of the colon during colonoscopy. Sharp abdominal pain is a sign of colon perforation. Patients may experience abdominal pain due to colon perforation several days after colonoscopy.
Colon Infection
The American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy states that colon infection is an adverse side effect of colonoscopy. Patients with infection on the lining of the colon due to caused by unsterile colonoscopy may experience abdominal pain, fever, shaking chills and abscess.
Polpectomy and Biopsy
According to the National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the doctors may remove polyps found during colonoscopy in a procedure known as polypectomy. Polyps are abnormal cancerous growths on the wall of the colon. The doctor may also remove a sample of tissue from the wall of the colon for further investigation in a procedure called biopsy. Patients may experience abdominal pain in sites of polypectomy and biopsy.
Bleeding
The American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy states that patients may experience bleeding after colonoscopy. Bleeding may occur due to small lacerations caused by colonosope. Bleeding may also occur at the sites of polypectomy and biopsy. Bleeding may occur several days after colonoscopy. As blood accumulates in the colon and surrounding organs, patients may experience severe abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, bloody stool, weakness and dizziness when standing.
