Risks involved with a Colonoscopy and Gastroscopy
COMMON PROBLEM
Bloating and discomfort
WHAT OCCURS
There may be some air remaining in the large bowel as a result of the procedure.
TREATMENT
Usually no treatment is required. Walking and moving around helps to pass the trapped air. Use of peppermint tea, antacids and antispasmodics may help.
Nausea and Vomiting
Some people experience nausea and/or vomiting as a result of the anaesthetic. Some patients may experience soreness, reddening or bleeding at the injection site.
Medication can be given for nausea and vomiting and generally relieve symptoms quickly. Applying pressure to the area will stop bleeding.
A pressure bandage and cold packs may be applied to minimise bruising.
Reaction to Bowel Preparation
Occasionally patients may experience headaches. Poor absorption of oral medications including birth control and anticonvulsant medicine is common. Changes in the blood salt levels (electrolytes) may occur.
Taking your medication at least 2 hours before the preparation is advised. We may administer fluids to you and medicine intravenously to relieve headache and nausea. Additional methods of contraception are suggested until the next menstrual cycle.
UNCOMMON PROBLEMS
Bleeding
WHAT OCCURS
Bleeding usually settles without further treatment. Occasionally another gastroscopy or colonoscopy is needed to stop the bleeding. Rarely, transfer to hospital for observation, a blood transfusion, or surgery may be necessary.
TREATMENT
Major bleeding from the stomach or bowel can occur in 1 in 10,000 people following a biopsy, and 1 in 1,000 after the removal of a polyp. Occasionally bleeding may occur up to 2 weeks after the procedure.
Most problems settle within 48 hours, but you should contact our rooms or your local doctor or go to hospital for a check up to ensure that the bowel is not perforated. It may be necessary to give antibiotics, arrange x-rays, blood tests or observation in hospital. A surgical opinion may be required.
Abdominal Pain
Burn injury to the bowel wall following removal of polyps can occur in 1 in 500 people. This may cause severe abdominal pain, rapid pulse and fever up to five days after the procedure.
RARE PROBLEMS
WHAT OCCURS
TREATMENT
Perforation
(Puncture or tear of the large intestine, stomach or oesophagus)
At colonoscopy, perforation of the large intestine may occur in 1 in 5,000 cases. The risk is higher, up to 1 in 100 cases, if a large polyp is removed. At gastroscopy, the risk of perforation of the gullet (oesophagus) is 1 in 100 if a dilatation is performed.
Fluids and antibiotics may be given via an intravenous drip and the tear may require surgical repair.
Intra-abdominal injury
Injury to the wall of the large intestine and spleen may occur resulting in bruising and inflammation.
Admission into a ward for observation. Some patients require surgical intervention.
Anaesthetic Risks
About 1 in 10,000 people may experience heart or lung problems such as; low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat or low oxygen levels. People with ill health are at greater risk.
Medication may be given to reverse the effects of sedation.
Medical resuscitation may be required.
Please discuss concerns with your anaesthetist.
Aspiration
Some patients may vomit during the procedure, and rarely some of the stomach contents can enter the lungs and cause pneumonia. This is referred to as aspiration.
If pneumonia occurs, you may be transferred to the ward for observation as an inpatient and given intravenous fluids and antibiotics.
Drug Reaction
Some patients may experience an allergic reaction to one or more of the anaesthetic drugs.
You may require intravenous drugs to stop the reaction and admission as an inpatient for ongoing observation.
Missed Cancer
Due to the nature of the anatomy and preparation of the gut, it is possible to miss small cancers and other disorders in approximately 1 in 1000 procedures.
Damage to teeth
All attempts are made to protect teeth, however it is possible for teeth or crowns to be damaged during the procedure. Procedure related mortality is rare (<0.01%)