A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that uses a flexible tube with a camera to examine the lining of the large intestine (colon) for abnormalities like inflammation, ulcers, or polyps. Patients are generally required to remove all jewelry beforehand to ensure safety and prevent complications. Although the procedure is non-surgical, the potential need for specialized equipment makes removing metallic items a standard precaution.
The Safety Risk: Electrocautery and Metal
The primary reason for jewelry removal relates to the potential use of electrocautery, also known as electrosurgery, during the colonoscopy. Electrocautery uses a high-frequency electrical current to cut tissue or stop bleeding, which is commonly employed to remove any polyps that are discovered. This electrical current is meant to travel from the device through the patient’s body to a large return pad, which directs the current safely back to the electrosurgical unit.
Metal jewelry, especially items that encircle the body like rings or bracelets, can act as a smaller, alternative pathway for the electrical current. If the current concentrates in the jewelry, it can generate heat quickly. This poses a risk of localized thermal burns at the contact site, even if the jewelry is far from the colon. Removing all metal items eliminates this potential hazard, maintaining the integrity of the intended electrical path.
Mandatory Removal: Body Piercings and Specific Jewelry
Body piercings often require mandatory removal because they present a specific safety challenge during procedures involving electrosurgery. Since many piercings are made of conductive metal and are fixed in the tissue, they are potential sites for current diversion and heat generation. The safest protocol is always to remove them, even though studies suggest the risk of a burn is low if the piercing is not directly touched.
For piercings that are new or difficult to remove, facilities may allow patients to replace the metal jewelry with non-conductive retainers made of materials like plastic or acrylic. This substitution maintains the open piercing while eliminating the electrical conductivity risk. Items like tongue or facial piercings must often be removed because they pose a mechanical risk if they become dislodged during sedation or anesthesia.
Facility Policies and Pre-Procedure Preparation
Beyond the medical necessity of avoiding electrocautery risk, facility policies often mandate the removal of all jewelry, including non-metal items, for practical and logistical reasons. Standardizing the removal of all jewelry ensures a consistent safety protocol for every patient, regardless of whether a polyp is anticipated. This practice also helps prevent the loss or damage of a patient’s personal property during the procedure.
Patients are advised to leave all valuable items at home, as the medical facility is typically not responsible for the security of personal belongings. Jewelry should be removed before arriving at the center or while changing into the hospital gown. This preparation step helps streamline the pre-procedure process and eliminates confusion or delay on the day of the colonoscopy.