A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that allows your doctor to view the inside of your colon and rectum. Typically, this procedure is used to detect ulcers, inflamed tissue or abnormal growths or tumors within the colon. During a colonoscopy, the doctor inserts a long, flexible tube--called a colonoscope--into the anus and up into the colon. A very small camera is mounted onto the colonoscope, which allows your doctor to examine the lining of your intestine. As with any medical procedure, there are side effects associated with a colonoscopy screening.
Cramping or Bloating
A colonoscopy screening may cause symptoms such as intestinal cramping or bloating to occur in some patients following this procedure. Such side effects are normal and typically resolve within an hour after the screening, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC).
Headache, Dizziness or Vomiting
To prepare your colon for this screening, your doctor will likely instruct you to adhere to a clear liquid diet for several days before the scheduled procedure. Your doctor may also recommend the use of a laxative or enema to clear the bowel of solid material the night before your procedure. These bowel preparations may cause headache, dizziness or vomiting in some people.
Reaction to Anesthetic
Immediately before your colonoscopy screening, your doctor will likely provide you with a light sedative or anesthetic to help alleviate any discomfort or anxiety you may experience as a result. An informational brochure issued by the Gastroenterological Society of Australia in June 2008 said that certain people--especially those with heart or lung disease--may be at risk for an allergic reaction to the anesthetic. If you have additional health complications or known medical allergies, make your doctor aware of this information beforehand.
Perforation
Though rare, certain people may experience a bowel perforation during the colonoscopy procedure. This can occur if the colonoscope is inadvertently pushed through the intestinal wall. Intestinal or bowel perforation can be painful or cause bleeding in some people. Additional surgery may be necessary to repair the perforation.
Intestinal Bleeding
Rarely, some people may experience severe intestinal bleeding as a result of this procedure. Bleeding is more likely to occur if your doctor is removing polyps--small intestinal growths--from the bowel lining. Additional medical procedures such as surgery or medication may be necessary to resolve this side effect.
