Colonoscopy is a safe procedure. Thousands are performed each day. Most patients have little to no complications with them, and they return to routine activities by the following morning.

Talk with your medical team if you’re taking medications and supplements (particularly medicines that thin the blood), or if you use other medical devices.

The medical office will let you know what to bring and if you need to stop taking certain medications prior to getting a colonoscopy. This may require coordination with your prescribing doctor (primary care, cardiology, neurology, etc.).

Every medical procedure comes with risks, however. It’s important to discuss these with your doctor before having a colonoscopy. Although rare, some of these complications from colonoscopy can occur, and you need to contact your doctor right away:

  • Dehydration
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Bowel perforation
  • Bad reaction to anesthesia
  • Blood clotting

If you cannot undergo a colonoscopy, you may have other screening options.