Risks of the procedures

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy are classified as invasive investigations and because of that it has the possibility of associated complications. These occur extremely infrequently, we would wish to draw your attention to them. 

The doctor who has requested these tests will have considered this carefully The risks must be compared to the benefits of having the procedure carried out. 

The risks can be associated with the procedure itself and with the administration of the sedation.

The endoscopic procedure. 

Gastroscopy 

The main risks are of mechanical damage; 

● to teeth or bridgework 

● perforation or tear of the linings of the stomach or oesophagus which could entail you being admitted to hospital. Although perforation generally requires surgery to repair the hole. Certain cases may be treated conservatively with antibiotics and intravenous fluids. 

● bleeding may occur at the site of biopsy and nearly always stops on its own. 

Colonoscopy 

● bleeding (risk approximately 1: 100-200) may occur at the site of biopsy or polyp removal. Typically minor in degree, such bleeding may either simply stop on its own or if it does not, be controlled by cauterization or injection treatment. 

● Perforation (risk approximately 1 for every 1,000 examinations) or tear of the lining of the bowel. An operation is nearly always required to repair the hole. The risk of perforation is higher with polyp removal.

Sedation 

Sedation can occasionally cause problems with breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. If any of these problems do occur, they are normally short lived. Careful monitoring by a fully trained endoscopy nurse ensures that any potential problems can be identified and treated rapidly. 

Older patients and those who have significant health problems – for example, people with breathing difficulties due to a bad chest may be assessed by the doctor before being treated.