Published on: 6/11/2024
Is a Colonoscopy Painful?
Most people have little to no pain with a colonoscopy. Patients who have had colon surgery or women who have had a hysterectomy (removal of their uterus) are at higher risk of experiencing pain.
Explanation
The three main causes of pain during colonoscopy are: Factors associated with pain during colonoscopy include being female, poor bowel preparation and the procedure being performed by someone who does not perform a high number of procedures. Pain during the procedure can be treated with pain medications and sedatives.
- Pain from stretching the walls of the colon by the endoscope.
- Pain from overinflating the colon with gas. When the endoscope is advanced through the colon, air is forced into it to ensure a clear field of view. Too much air in the colon leads to distension and pain.
- Pain from moving through prior scar tissue (adhesions) in and around the surronding bowel due to diverticulitis or prior abdominal surgeries.
(References)
Hull T, Church JM. Colonoscopy--how difficult, how painful? Surg Endosc. 1994 Jul;8(7):784-7. doi: 10.1007/BF00593441. PMID: 7974107.
Rahman N, Cuison FA, Shabir O, et alPWE-069-Factors Associated with Reported Pain During Colonoscopy: A Retrospective StudyGut 2013;62:A158-A159.
Shah SG, Brooker JC, Thapar C, Williams CB, Saunders BP. Patient pain during colonoscopy: an analysis using real-time magnetic endoscope imaging. Endoscopy. 2002 Jun;34(6):435-40. doi: 10.1055/s-2002-31995. PMID: 12048623.
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Family Medicine, Primary Care Roots Community Health Center, Hippo Education, Kameda Medical Center
Kenji Taylor, MD
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