A colonoscopy is a test performed by a doctor to examine the inner lining of the large intestine. Colonoscopies are performed to evaluate certain symptom and also screen for colon cancer.
Colonoscopic Perforation
Bowel perforation, a hole in the wall of your colon, is the most serious complication of a colonoscopy. Elderly patients and patients with multiple disorders pose the highest risk of bowel perforation. Bowel perforation is most often treated using surgery to close the hole. Sometimes a temporary colostomy is performed.
Complications associated with bowel perforation may include:
- Colostomy – diverting healthy colon through an opening in the abdomen wall and attaching a bag to allow stools to drain or empty
- Sepsis – body’s reaction to life-threatening bacteria that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death
- Abscesses – swollen area in the body containing bacterial infection
- Wound infection
- Prolonged hospital stay
- Death
If a doctor failed to notice a patient’s bowel was perforated during a colonoscopy, the patient may develop the following symptoms after the procedure:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Chills
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blood in stool
- Changes in bowel habits
Contact your doctor immediately if you have any of the above symptoms after a colonoscopy. If your doctor dismisses your symptoms, be persistent and demand prompt attention from the doctor or call another doctor. You condition may worsen if your symptoms are dismissed and not properly treated.
Again, be persistent and seek medical treatment for your symptoms!
Do not allow your concerns and symptoms to be dismissed!
Bowel perforation can also lead to peritonitis. Peritonitis is a bacterial infection of the membrane lining the stomach and the membrane that cover the abdominal organs. Symptoms of peritonitis may include:
- Exhaustion
- Passing less urine, stools, gas
- Passing less gas
- Shortness of breath
- Fast heartbeat
If you or a loved one developed a perforated bowel during a colonoscopy, contact us today.
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