Like any medical procedure, colonoscopy risks do exist. This procedure is performed by doctors to examine the inside of the digestive tract in order to diagnose and locate problems. When done properly, colonoscopy risks are rare. However, like with any medical procedure, there is a risk of complications, including death. Some common colonoscopy risks include bleeding, nerve damage, irregular heartbeat, vomiting, pain, and nausea.
How To Save Yourself From Colonoscopy?
There are several ways to protect yourself while having colonoscopy. One way to reduce the risk of complications is to see your surgeon for a pre-surgical checkup.
During this time, he or she can detect any abnormalities that may be present. If problems are found, they can be fixed and the surgery can be scheduled accordingly.
However, it’s important to note that problems can only be detected if they are noticed at all. It’s not a sure thing that you will develop complications during a colonoscopy.
Factors
There are several other factors that contribute to colonoscopy risks, including your age and general health. The procedure may be done on a younger patient than you think, and while this isn’t common, it can happen.
A person with a family history of digestive disorders such as Crohn’s disease, ulcers, and colitis may be at a higher risk for developing complications after the procedure. Other common risks include having an abnormal white blood cell count, gallstones, and polyps.
Many people become nervous when they are about to undergo a colonoscopy, especially if they’ve never had this procedure before. If you’re worried about the procedure, don’t feel bad - it’s completely normal to be. Doctors have designed the procedure so that they can detect any potential complications, but this doesn’t mean that you should be completely fearful.
Common Risks
The most common colonoscopy risks are rare and likely to occur only in less than 1% of cases. You may develop an infection in the test tube or in your abdomen. Malignancy can sometimes grow around the area where the surgery is taking place, though this is very uncommon.
Some doctors feel that colonoscopy risks can be lowered by performing the procedure in the morning, though this doesn’t always work. If you feel particularly sick during the night, speak to your doctor immediately to find out if this is a problem.
Cancer
One of the most serious colonoscopy risks is that of cancer. While it is true that the procedure has a relatively low risk of causing cancer, there is still some concern that it could happen.
In the case of adenocarcinoma, which is a type of cancerous tumor, it is possible that the procedure could lead to the development of a malignant rectal lymphoma. Also, it is possible that the doctor may not detect any signs of cancer, leading to death from other causes before the cancer is diagnosed. Other colonoscopy risks include polyps that grow in the lining of the colon, endometrioma or carcinoma in the vaginal cavity, or inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative colitis.
In addition, some of the side effects of the procedure include skin irritation, fever, loss of appetite, constipation, gas or diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Pelvic Region
It’s important that you understand what the risk factors for colonoscopy include, since this will help you make sure you stay healthy when undergoing the procedure.
Obesity, especially within the pelvic region, is a risk factor for both men and women. Your age is also a factor, since people who are younger than 50 years old are more likely to have this procedure. Both men and women can be at increased risk for having a bowel obstruction, or blockage. However, it is possible for a woman to have a bowel obstruction and still deliver a child.
As is true for many other types of surgeries, being physically fit is an important factor when deciding to undergo a colonoscopy.
Diet And Exercise
Some of the colonoscopy risks discussed above can be prevented with diet and regular exercise. But if you already have a blockage or narrowing of your bowel, you may need to undergo a colonoscopy.
But don’t worry, these risks will only be minimal and rarely do they pose any long-term danger to you. The main thing you should be concerned about is the potential for complications after the procedure. Fortunately, there are many methods for minimizing your risk of serious problems from colonoscopy.