What are the possible complications or alternatives to colonoscopy?
Complications of colonoscopy are rare and usually minor when performed by physicians who have been specially trained and are experienced. Bleeding may occur at the site of biopsy or removal of polyps, but the bleeding is usually minor and self-limited or can be controlled through the colonoscope. It is quite unusual to require transfusions or surgery for post-colonoscopic bleeding. An even less common complication is a perforation or a tear through the colonic wall, but even these perforations do not usually require surgery. Other potential complications are reactions to the sedatives used, localized irritation to the vein where medications were injected (leaving a tender lump lasting a number of days, which goes away eventually), or complications from existing heart or lung disease. The incidence of all of these, together, is less than one percent. While these complications are rare, it is important for patients to recognize early signs of a complication so that they may return to the
