You have undergone a Colonoscopy today with Argon Plasma Coagulation used primarily to control/prevent bleeding.
You have had sedation today: it is essential that a responsible adult accompanies you home and stays with you for the next 24 hours.
You should not drive a car, operate machinery, drink any alcohol, sign any legally binding document or look after young children or other dependents for 24 hours.
Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, you may resume your normal diet. You are advised to have a plain diet for the next 24 hours, as you may experience diarrhoea until the bowel settles down from the procedure.
You may resume your normal prescription medicines unless otherwise advised on discharge.
There may be some slight soreness around your bottom and abdomen where the instrument has been but this should wear off over the next 24 hours.
Some bloating may be experienced if air has remained in your bowel. This is not something to worry about; it will resolve itself naturally over the next few hours. However, if it gripes you, having a hot drink, or taking some peppermint water/tea and walking around, might help to provide some relief.
Light bleeding from your bottom may be experienced if you have had biopsies taken or polyps removed. It may be spotting on the toilet paper or drops in the toilet which should settle in a day or two.
Women taking the oral contraceptive pill should be aware that taking bowel preparation might prevent the absorption of the pill. Additional contraceptive precautions should be taken until the next period begins.
Side Effects to look out for
Side effects are extremely rare but we need to make you aware of the symptoms to look out for. Things to report to your doctor:
Moderate abdominal pain
- Moderate bleeding
- Moderately raised temperature
- Redness, tenderness and swelling at the site of the IV injections that persists for more than 48 hours.
Attend Accident and Emergency department if you feel really unwell and have the following symptoms:
Severe pain, nausea or vomiting
- Persistent/continuous bleeding (more than an egg cupful)
- Temperature greater than 100°F / 39 °C
- Weakness or dizziness
- Shortness of breath
Please bring your Colonoscopy report with you to Accident and Emergency department
Air Travel
If you have had a diagnostic procedure, you would be advised not to fly for 48 hours after your procedure.
If you have undergone a therapeutic procedure, you should not undertake any air travel for 2 weeks after your procedure.
You will be advised on discharge which procedure you have had.
Further Information and Advice
If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact your GP or NHS 111 for medical advice
L&D Hospital Endoscopy Unit:
Monday – Saturday 08:00-18:00hrs
07815178199 (number available for non-emergency calls 24/7)
FOLLOWING THIS PROCEDURE YOU MUST NOT DONATE BLOOD FOR 4 – 6 MONTHS
The reason for this is that your ability to donate blood in the future is dependent upon your diagnosis and the possibility that you might need to undergo further investigations or complete treatments (British Society of Gastroenterology, 2019).