The colonoscopy (colonoscopy) is a frequently used instrument in the diagnosis of diseases of the small intestine, the large intestine and the rectum.
During a colonoscopy, a tube is inserted into the anus and can be pushed through the large intestine into the small intestine according to the course of the intestinal loops. The tube contains a camera with light and other instruments for minimally invasive interventions, such as wiry loops, for removing growths or for taking tissue samples (Biopsy). The colonoscopy is usually performed under short-term anesthesia. Since this is an invasive procedure, it is normal to experience limited pain afterwards.
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The colonoscopy has long been a common tool in diagnosing bowel diseases. Due to the further development of technology and trained doctors, complications are very rare. If symptoms arise after the examination, they are usually not dangerous.
It is then a simple irritation of the intestine by mechanical stress or air that has entered. Such a reaction to the examination is normal and does not require medical attention.
If any complaints occur, these can be reported to the examiner, but they do not necessarily have to be observed by him. A self-check is sufficient.
However, it is not normal for the symptoms to last for a long time, for example several days, or for them to suddenly get worse. There may be damage to the intestine that makes intervention necessary. The examiner or at least another doctor should be contacted and informed about it, especially in the case of acute pain.
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In preparation for this diagnostic examination, the patient's bowel must be cleaned the day before. For this, on the one hand, a lot of fluids must be drunk and, on the other hand, the emptying of the bowel must be promoted with medication. This process can disturb the intestinal flora, which consists of millions of bacteria. Humans need bacteria for digestion to function, because the body does not have all the digestive enzymes to break down all kinds of food. Indigestion can lead to abdominal pain.
Serious complications rarely occur during a colonoscopy. In addition to irritation of the intestine, which can result from the mechanical effects of the hose and the air introduced, therapeutic interventions are most likely to lead to injury-related complications. For example, if an intestinal polyp is removed, the intestinal wall may be injured. In such places, in the later course of the disease, painful inflammation can, in the worst case, a rupture of the intestinal wall (perforation) come.
Even if a perforation is very rarely seen after a colonoscopy, it is an emergency situation that requires immediate action. In addition to extremely severe abdominal pain, a perforation can also cause blood poisoning (sepsis), which can lead to life-threatening shock for the patient. If a rupture of the intestinal wall is suspected, inpatient admission is always mandatory.
If the colon cleansing was not successful enough before the colonoscopy and there are stool remains in the colon, the examination requirements are limited. In order to get a better picture of the intestine, the examiner can introduce liquid into the intestine using a nozzle integrated in the hose. Hidden areas can thus be exposed and the colonoscopy can be carried out in a targeted manner.
It can happen that the fluid cannot be completely absorbed after the procedure and then becomes noticeable as diarrhea after the examination.
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Colon cleansing also plays another role. By flushing the intestines, the intestinal flora (Intestinal bacteria) disturbed. These must first build up again after intensive removal. A disturbed digestion can briefly be the result of a non-intact intestinal flora. The products used to cleanse the colon could also cause diarrhea. If the diarrhea persists, there is likely no connection with the colonoscopy, but should be reported to a doctor. Further diagnostics are then possible.
Read also: Home remedies for diarrhea or Medication for diarrhea
If symptoms arise after the colonoscopy, an attempt should first be made to clarify the causes. In the case of abdominal pain, it can simply be gas. Inserting the tube and actively flushing in liquid can cause the bowel to become filled with air. An accumulation of air in the intestine (Flatulence) are not dangerous, but they can be extremely painful. It is recommended to provide warmth from inside and outside. For example, tea can be supplied from the inside and a heat pad can be used on the outside. The warmth relaxes the intestinal wall muscles and the cramp-like pains subside. As a result, sooner or later the air escapes by itself.
$config[ads_text4] not foundIf the abdominal pain is extremely severe, a perforation of the intestinal wall, a breakthrough, may have occurred. This is a rare complication with minimal surgical procedures, such as the removal of colon wall polyps. In many cases the perforation is accompanied by great pain and blood poisoning (sepsis), since the intestinal bacteria penetrate the abdominal cavity and blood vessels through the injury.
The sepsis must be treated immediately with an antibiotic, otherwise a dangerous state of shock can arise. In addition, the opening must be closed again as soon as possible. Emergency surgery is therefore usually necessary.
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If abdominal pain occurs in isolation on the left side of the abdomen after a colonoscopy, the cause is likely to be in one of the left-sided parts of the colon. These are the left colonic flexure (left colon bend), the descending colon (descending colon), the sigmoid colon (Sigmoid) and the rectum (Rectum).
Since the intestine does not run straight, but in loops and curves, rounding these corners can lead to irritation or, in the worst case, to injuries to the intestinal mucosa. If this happens in the sections of the large intestine just listed, the pain will most likely only appear on the left side of the abdomen.
Polyps (Intestinal wall growth) and diverticula (Intestinal wall invagination) occur more frequently in the descending colon and sigmoid. If these pathological symptoms are removed or treated by means of a therapeutic colonoscopy, injuries can occur during the procedure. Even if complications are extremely rare, a perforation on the left side of the intestine can initially cause unilateral discomfort before the pain spreads and accompanying blood poisoning develops.
For more information, read our topic: Abdominal pain on the left side
