Complications

How you may feel after your gastroscopy and colonoscopy

You may have a sore throat. You may also feel a little bloated if some air has remained in your stomach and bowel. Both of these discomforts should pass naturally within 24 hours. Throat lozenges may help with the sore throat. Walking around, warm drinks and peppermint water may also help you to pass wind. If pain is a problem, you may find it helpful to take a pain killer, such as paracetamol (according to manufacturer’s instructions). 

If you have had piles treated or a polyp removed there may be a small amount of bleeding from your bottom, which should not be heavy.

Complications

You should seek medical help immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: 

• Severe chest or shoulder pain 

• Persistent vomiting 

• Shortness of breath 

• Severe abdominal pain 

• Worsening abdominal swelling 

• Profuse bleeding from your bottom or black tarry motions 

• Fever (above 380C) and/or chills

If you experience any of these complications immediately contact the Endoscopy Suite (Monday to Friday 08.00 - 17.00) on 0207 811 8328. Please do not leave an answerphone message as it is important that you are assessed promptly. Outside of working hours (or at times when you are unable to get hold of the Endoscopy Suite) you can call the main switchboard number: 0207 352 8171 and ask to speak to the Clinical Site Practitioner at Chelsea (bleep 022). 

In an emergency 

Telephone your GP surgery (or your GP out of hours service) or else go to your nearest A&E (Accident and Emergency) and then inform the Endoscopy Suite at the Royal Marsden

If you have any concerns or questions you can contact 

For routine advice, contact the Endoscopy Suite between 8am and 5pm (Monday to Friday): telephone: 020 7811 8328. If we are unable to take your call, please leave a message. Answerphone messages will be collected twice daily, Monday to Friday, and a member of the Endoscopy Suite will return your call.