Medical Malpractice: Colonoscopy Risks and Concerns

NEW YORK, NY, September 19, 2012

As many older Americans know, colonoscopies are invasive medical procedures that aren't always simple or pleasant. However, when performed correctly, they can protect us from developing colon cancer (or having it spread) when caught during early stages. Nevertheless, before undergoing this exam, we must each ask our doctors to explain all of the test's potential medical risks and whether or not an alternative procedure might prove just as useful - at least, initially.

What is a Colonoscopy?

According to the Mayo Clinic, this medical exam looks for problems in "the large intestine (colon) and rectum. During [this test], a long, flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon." If the physician sees polyps or other questionable tissue samples that should be removed (biopsies), they can be excised using the colonoscope.

Reasons Why This Test is Often Performed

This test is frequently scheduled for people age 50 or older. If no problems are detected, most patients are advised to return for a new one in 10 years. It's generally used to evaluate unexplained abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhea or constipation, and other unknown intestinal problems.

At present, it's estimated that, "One in 20 adults will develop colorectal cancer during his or her lifetime, and detecting it before symptoms occur substantially improves a patient's chances of survival." In fact, 57,000 Americans still die of colorectal cancer annually. Males should be especially vigilant about having colonoscopy exams since "more men under age 75 will lose their lives this year to colorectal cancer than to prostate cancer."

Common Outcomes of This Exam

All items removed are carefully examined in a lab to determine if they are precancerous or cancerous so that further treatment can be pursued, if necessary. Depending on what's learned about each sample, a patient may be asked to return in three, six or twelve months. Of course, if removed tissues prove cancerous or are otherwise worrisome, a patient may be instructed to see a surgeon immediately.

Risks Associated with Colonoscopies

- Perforation of the Intestinal Walls. It's always important to have this test performed by a highly experienced professional who will be less likely to accidentally "nick" or cut one of the intestinal walls while inserting or extracting the colonoscope. Serious infections or even death can result from perforations;

- Chronic Conditions Can Be Seriously Aggravated. Patients who have suffered strokes or have chronic medical conditions like diabetes or serious heart problems can see their underlying health issues worsen as a result of having a colonoscopy;

- Aggravation of Various Medical Conditions for Those Age 80 or Older. Patients in their later years (over age 80) have a 50 percent greater risk of complications developing due to a colonoscopy than others;

- Problematic Bleeding. Some patients can experience far more bleeding difficulties than others either during or after this type of procedure.

Alternatives to a Colonoscopy

Be sure to ask your physician if another test may be just as useful as a routine colonoscopy. For example, some doctors may choose to run a fecal occult blood test or a "virtual colonoscopy." This latter procedure involves relying "on a CT scan to generate a 3-D snapshot of the patient's colon and rectum."

Now that some colon cancer screening tests just involve taking pills to prepare, instead of drinking a large amount of liquid to fully cleanse the colon, many more people may soon be willing to undergo these types of exams.

Summary and General Advice

Routine colonoscopy exams can save lives and result in timely surgical (and other treatment) measures that can improve patient lives. Those over age 50 (or suffering from unknown abdominal problems) are encouraged to consult with their primary care physicians to see what, if any, colon tests they may need.

Keep in mind that one highly regarded study found that doctors tend to make fewer mistakes when performing routine colonoscopies once they've handled more than 150 of these procedures.

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