Incidence of minor complications and time lost from normal activities after screening or surveillance colonoscopy

Few studies address the development of minor complications after screening or surveillance colonoscopy.

Our purpose was to examine in previously asymptomatic people the incidence of new symptoms after colonoscopy, risk factors for symptoms, and patients' perceptions of this examination.

Prospective cohort study. Patients completed a standardized interview at 7 and 30 days after colonoscopy.

A total of 502 patients aged 40 years and older undergoing colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening, surveillance, or follow-up of another abnormal screening test result. Patients were excluded if they had a history of inflammatory bowel disease, visible GI bleeding, or anemia.

Incidence of minor complications and patient perceptions about colonoscopy.

Minor complications occurred in 162 subjects (34%) before day 7 and in 29 subjects (6%) between day 7 and day 30, most commonly bloating (25%) and abdominal pain (11%). Six subjects had unexpected emergency department visits or hospitalizations within 30 days, including 2 with postpolypectomy bleeding. On multivariate analysis, minor complications were more common in women (odds ratio 1.78, 95% CI 1.21-2.62) and when the procedure lasted 20 minutes or longer. Bowel preparation was rated the most difficult part of the examination for 77%. Most subjects (94%) lost 2 or fewer days from normal activities for the colonoscopy itself, preparation, or recovery.

Minor complications were common after screening and surveillance colonoscopy. The bowel preparation was the most difficult part of the examination for most patients. Most subjects lost 2 or fewer days from normal activities because of colonoscopy.