A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to examine the inner lining of the colon and rectum. It is one of the most highly recommended screening tests that helps detect abnormalities in the digestive system.
Although the main focus is on the colon, the process and preparation can also affect your stomach and overall gastrointestinal tract. This is why before visiting a colonoscopy clinic in Singapore you may wonder; what happens to your stomach after the procedure?
If that is the question on your mind right now, you’ve followed the right link. We will provide the answer to that question on this page.
Also, we will address related questions like; how do you know if something is wrong after your colonoscopy? Let’s dive right in!
What Happens to Your Stomach After a Colonoscopy?
The colonoscopy is designed to examine the colon. However, many patients who visit our colonoscopy clinic in Singapore tend to wonder about the effects it may have on their stomach afterward.
Generally, your stomach and the upper part of your digestive system remain unaffected by the procedure itself. However, we want to mention that, the process leading up to and during the colonoscopy can cause some temporary changes in your stomach.
Take for example the bowel preparation. This preparation involves a special diet and laxatives, which often leaves the stomach feeling unsettled.
What’s more, the introduction of air into the colon to improve visibility may cause gas to rise. Because of this, you may end up with a sensation of bloating which can extend to the stomach area.
In many cases, patients notice mild discomfort or a slight feeling of fullness after the procedure. Some even experience a transient loss of appetite.
These symptoms are typically short-lived and resolve within a few hours to a day. So, they’re nothing to worry about.
Can a Colonoscopy go Wrong?
A colonoscopy is designed to help you. In fact, it can help you detect colorectal cancer which is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. However, the fact that it involves a tube with a camera attached to it being inserted through your rectum do leave some people worried thus the question; can a colonoscopy go wrong?
Now, colonoscopies are generally safe. However, this doesn’t imply that they are entirely risk free as complications can occur. So yes, a colonoscopy can go wrong. Rare risks of colonoscopies include;
- Perforation
- Bleeding, and
- Adverse sedation reactions
There is also the risk of incomplete exams which may require repeat procedures. Some patients experience post-colonoscopy discomfort.
However, these complications are uncommon, and the benefits of early detection of colorectal issues typically outweigh the risks, especially for individuals with risk factors for colon cancer. In fact, after a colonoscopy, most patients recover without any significant issues, and the temporary stomach discomfort usually fades away on its own.
However, it is important to be aware of signs that may indicate a problem with your digestive system after the procedure. For example, if you experience severe or persistent abdominal pain, it may be a signal that something is not right.
Mild discomfort and bloating are common, but pain that intensifies or does not improve with time should prompt you to seek specialized medical care. Some patients may notice that the symptoms do not resolve as expected.
For example, prolonged nausea or continuous vomiting can be a warning sign. If these symptoms last more than a day or worsen significantly, it may indicate complications such as irritation of the stomach lining or an adverse reaction to the bowel preparation.
Importantly, if you experience fever, chills, or a rapid heartbeat, these could be signs of an infection or inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Any changes in bowel habits after your colonoscopy in Singapore should also be monitored closely.
While it is normal to have a temporary change in bowel movements due to the cleansing process, ongoing diarrhea or constipation might suggest that your digestive system needs further evaluation. Blood in your stool, although rare, is another symptom that should not be ignored. Your doctor will typically provide a set of guidelines on what to expect and when to seek help after your colonoscopy in Singapore.
What to do after a Colonoscopy?
Following your colonoscopy in Singapore, the doctor will guide you on the best steps to ensure a full recovery and maintain your digestive health. If the procedure results are normal, you will likely be advised to resume your regular diet gradually.
Your gastroenterologist may suggest starting with light meals that are easy to digest. For example, they may recommend soups, fruits, and vegetables.
This is done to help your stomach and colon adjust after the bowel preparation and procedure. In cases where the colonoscopy uncovers abnormalities, such as polyps or signs of inflammation, your doctor will discuss the results with you in detail.
If polyps are removed during the procedure, further monitoring may be recommended. The frequency of follow-up colonoscopies might be adjusted based on the findings and your overall risk factors.
In some situations, additional tests such as blood work or imaging studies may be scheduled to get a more complete picture of your digestive health. If for any reason you experience persistent symptoms after the colonoscopy, your doctor may prescribe medications to relieve discomfort or address any inflammation.
They may also recommend dietary adjustments or other lifestyle changes to support the recovery process. Be sure to follow the post-procedure instructions provided by your medical team to ensure your recovery is smooth and to minimize any potential complications.
And most importantly, do not sit on any worrisome developments. If you notice any unusual symptoms or if your stomach discomfort does not subside within the expected time frame, you should reach out to your doctor promptly. Post-procedure care is an essential part of the overall treatment plan.
Wrapping Up
While a colonoscopy is designed to examine your colon, it can also affect your stomach temporarily. You will want to closely monitor your recovery and follow post-procedure guidelines to maintain good digestive health.
If you have concerns about your recovery or need more information, our gastroenterology clinic is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get all your question or concerns addressed.
Gastrohealth Clinic @ Gleneagles – Dr Bhavesh Doshi | Gastroscopy | Colonoscopy | Health Screening | EUS and ERCP Singapore
6A Napier Rd, #05-35C Gleneagles Hospital Annexe Block, Singapore 258500
Phone: +65 6355 5773
