A colonoscopy is a lower gastrointestinal procedure used to find colon abnormalities such as colon cancer, colon tumors, colon inflammation and colon ulcers. Colonoscopy involves the insertion of a long flexible fiberoptic tube, known as colonoscope, into the rectum and colon. Colon infection during colonoscopy may be caused by an unsterilized colonoscope. Colon infection may also occur at the sites of the polypectomy and biopsy, or if the colon is perforated during the procedure.
Lower Abdominal Pain
According to the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, patients with a colon infection may experience lower abdominal pain at the site of colon perforation, or at the infected sites of the polypectomy and biopsy. Colon perforation is the puncture of the wall of the colon caused by the colonoscope. Polypectomy is the removal of polyps. Biopsy is the removal of a sample of tissue from the lining of the colon.
High Fever
According to the National institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, fever is usually the first sign of colon infection. Fever is an elevated body temperature in response to the presence of bacteria infection. Fever is a method the body uses to fight off infections. Patients with colon infection may also experience shaking chills or shivering due to body fever and bacteria infection.
Delirium and Confusion
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a perforated colon may result in a blood infection known as sepsis. Sepsis occurs when bowel contents leak out of the colon through the perforated hole into the bloodstream. Patients with sepsis experience confusion and delirium. Delirium is a sudden reversible disturbance in mental function.
