If you’re due for a colonoscopy, it’s completely normal to wonder: Are colonoscopies safe? The short answer is yes. When performed by experienced providers, colonoscopies are considered a safe and effective tool for preventing colon cancer. In fact, this simple procedure could quite literally save your life. Every medical procedure has risks. However, complications from colonoscopy are very rare. For most people, the biggest surprise is just how smooth the experience really is.
A colonoscopy lets your doctor see the inside of your colon and rectum using a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end. The camera sends live images to a monitor. This helps your doctor look for polyps, inflammation, bleeding, or signs of cancer in the lining.
The colonoscopy process is divided into a few clear phases.
The day before the procedure, you’ll follow a bowel prep plan. This usually involves drinking a special laxative and sticking to a clear, liquid diet. The goal is to completely clean out your colon so the doctor has a clear view of its lining.
On the day of your colonoscopy, you’ll check in, and a clinician will review your medical history and make sure you’re ready for the procedure.
You’ll be given a sedative through an IV. This may be:
Once you’re comfortable, the doctor gently inserts the colonoscope into your rectum and slowly advances it through the colon. Air or carbon dioxide is introduced to inflate the colon slightly for better visibility.
Throughout the procedure, your vital signs, including breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen level, are constantly monitored by a trained medical team.
If a polyp is found, your doctor can remove it right away. Any suspicious tissue can be sampled or biopsied and sent to a lab for analysis.
The procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Afterward, you’ll rest in a recovery area until the sedative wears off. You will need someone to drive you home, and most people feel back to normal later the same day or by the next day.
Colonoscopies are considered to be safe. As with any medical procedure, there are some risks. The good news is that they’re very rare.
Some people may have minor bleeding, especially if a polyp is removed. In very rare cases, there can be a small tear in the colon’s wall, called a perforation. If it happens, it’s usually caught and treated right away.
Sedation can sometimes cause side effects like:
Your medical team watches these things closely throughout the procedure.
After a colonoscopy, it’s normal to feel a bit bloated or have some gas. This happens because air is used during the procedure to help the doctor see the inside of your colon. You might pass gas more than usual, which can help relieve the pressure. These symptoms are temporary and usually go away within a few hours. Walking around and staying upright can help you feel more comfortable as the gas works its way out.
Most adults can safely have a colonoscopy, but your doctor may recommend alternatives if you:
In these cases, non-invasive screening tests, like stool-based tests or CT, may be discussed as a safer option.
Despite the small chance of complications, the benefits of colonoscopy are significant when it comes to preventing colon cancer. Colonoscopy allows for:
Colon cancer is often slow-growing and may not show symptoms until it’s advanced. With a colonoscopy, you’re giving yourself a powerful tool to catch issues early when they’re easier to treat or eliminate altogether.
If you’re worried about whether colonoscopies are safe, your medical team can discuss your concerns with you. They can answer any questions prior to your procedure and help you feel more comfortable.
Don’t delay your colonoscopy any longer – schedule an appointment today!
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