Colonoscopy Recovery: After the Procedure The effects of the sedation could last up to a day, so you should not drive or operate any machinery until the following day. You may feel gassy or bloated for a while after the procedure because of the air that was injected into your intestine during the colonoscopy.
Take the day off: It is recommended that you take the day off work on the day of your procedure. You should not make any important decisions for the rest of the day following the procedure.
Yes, you may go to work the day after an outpatient colonoscopy. In my practice, I generally advise patients return to work, drive, or complete any important paperwork after recovering at home and experiencing a restful sleep.
For your safety, do not drive, operate machinery, or power tools for at least 8 hours after getting sedation. Your doctor may tell you not to drive or operate machinery until the day after your test. Do not sign legal documents or make major decisions for at least 8 hours after getting sedation.
A colonoscopy procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on whether the doctor needs to remove polyps or take biopsies. However, patients and caregivers should plan to spend 2-3 hours total at the hospital or endoscopy center to account for the time needed for preparation and recovery.
Colonoscopy Recovery: After the Procedure
The effects of the sedation could last up to a day, so you should not drive or operate any machinery until the following day. You may feel gassy or bloated for a while after the procedure because of the air that was injected into your intestine during the colonoscopy.
After the procedure
You may feel bloated or pass gas for a few hours after the exam, as you clear the air from your colon. Walking may help relieve any discomfort.
Take It Easy
It is recommended that patients stay home on the day of a colonoscopy. Avoid making important decisions on this day, since there can still be lingering effects from the sedative. In the first few days after a colonoscopy, you may feel slight discomfort and tiredness, so allow yourself to take it easy.
The most frequent colonoscopy-related complication that causes mortality is a perforation. The overall mortality rate was 25.6% among those who underwent surgical treatment after a colonoscopy perforation[31].
Studies have indicated that colonoscopies done during the morning hours have actually contributed to more accurate findings due to a number of varying factors. Although it might not be a thrill to wake up earlier than usual, it could just help your overall health.
Usually if a suspected colorectal cancer is found by any screening or diagnostic test, it is biopsied during a colonoscopy. In a biopsy, the doctor removes a small piece of tissue with a special instrument passed through the scope. Less often, part of the colon may need to be surgically removed to make the diagnosis.
So, the more polyps you have, the higher your cancer risk. Someone with just one or two small polyps is generally at lower risk of having or developing colon cancer than someone with three to nine, or more.
Will I be up all night with colonoscopy prep? Probably not, if you start on time. While everyone's body is different, most people are able to complete their round of purging before going to sleep for the night.
Can I shower, eat breakfast, or brush my teeth the morning of my colonoscopy? You may not eat anything the morning of your procedure, but you may continue to drink clear liquids up until 2 hours before your procedure. You may shower and brush your teeth.
Patients are encouraged to slowly integrate foods back into a daily routine immediately following a colonoscopy. But in some cases, people may be instructed to avoid food entirely the first day after the procedure. Typically, dietary restrictions are only suggested for the first day or two after the exam.
Most people stop moving their bowels about 2 – 3 hours after finishing the solution. People are different and some have liquid movements until the time of the procedure. The instrument used during the colonoscopy will suction out any liquid left in the bowel. You will not have an “accident” during the procedure.
Pain after the procedure: Some people have stomach pain after a colonoscopy. A person may also experience mild irritation to their rectum, gas, or other digestive problems. These symptoms are usually mild and tend to go away in a few days.
The procedure can also help diagnose the cause of symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and rectal bleeding. Although a colonoscopy is not a surgery, it does involve some risks. Some of these risks include bleeding, infection, and perforation of the colon.
Some colonoscopies are done using gas and air as a patient preference, which can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded for a short period. After sedation, you may feel a little more tired for the rest of the day and will be advised to avoid driving for 24 hours, or operating any machinery and avoiding alcohol.
Following your procedure
It is not unusual to experience some diarrhoea for a couple of days post procedure until the bowel returns to its normal function. Abdominal pain due to air introduced into your colon during your procedure can be alleviated by hot drinks, moving around and taking peppermints.
However, due to the expected side effects of sedation, a person should not drive home, as they would not be alert enough to drive safely. After the Colonoscopy, patients may suffer mild discomfort for up to 24 hours. After that, they may experience mild abdominal cramping, gas pains, and bloating.
Will this help me lose weight? This is a rough way to do it, but yes, you will have a very temporary weight loss of one to three pounds typically. But, just as with your bowel habits, these few pounds will return as well once you resume your normal diet.
However, in general, in the days leading up to your colonoscopy you are allowed to eat: Eggs. Fruit with the skin and seeds removed. Lean meat, chicken and/or fish.
Q. How many days do I need to take off work? You will need to take off work the day of the procedure. Some patients who work evenings also take off work the day before the procedure to do the bowel prep.