A colonoscopy is a common screening procedure where a physician uses a flexible tube with a camera to examine the lining of the large intestine. Recovery is typically quick, usually within 24 hours, and is primarily determined by the effects of the anesthesia or sedation administered during the examination.
The First Few Hours of Immediate Recovery
Immediately following the procedure, patients are moved to a recovery area for close monitoring as the sedation begins to wear off. This initial phase usually lasts between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the medication used. Patients commonly feel residual grogginess, drowsiness, or mild lightheadedness.
It is common to experience abdominal discomfort, bloating, or mild cramping as the body expels the air or carbon dioxide gas introduced into the colon during the examination. Walking lightly can help hasten the passing of this residual gas, which relieves the pressure. Due to the lingering effects of the sedation, which impair judgment and coordination, a designated adult driver must take the patient home from the facility.
Returning to Daily Routines
The first 24 hours after the colonoscopy are dedicated to allowing the sedative to fully clear the system. Even if a patient feels alert shortly after discharge, operating a motor vehicle or heavy machinery is strictly prohibited for a full 24 hours.
Dietary progression should start slowly to ease the gastrointestinal system back into function after the bowel preparation. Patients are advised to begin with clear liquids and small, easily digestible, low-fiber foods like toast, eggs, mashed potatoes, or white rice. Most individuals can gradually resume their normal eating habits and a more varied diet within a day, focusing on adequate hydration.
Most patients can return to non-strenuous work, such as a desk job, the day after the procedure. Vigorous activity, including heavy lifting, intense aerobic exercise, or strength training, should be avoided for at least 24 hours. If polyps were removed, the physician may recommend avoiding strenuous physical activity for up to a week to prevent delayed bleeding at the internal site where the tissue was excised.
Recognizing Delayed Symptoms and Warning Signs
While full recovery is typically achieved within 24 hours, patients should distinguish between expected minor symptoms and serious warning signs. It is not unusual to experience mild fatigue for the rest of the day, as well as minor rectal bleeding or spotting, particularly if a biopsy was taken or a polyp was removed. This trace amount of blood usually resolves within a day or two.
A patient should contact their physician immediately if they experience severe or worsening abdominal pain that is not relieved by passing gas, as this could indicate a complication like perforation. Other signs that require urgent medical attention include persistent vomiting, a fever of 100.4°F or higher, or chills, which may signal a post-procedure infection. Excessive or heavy rectal bleeding, such as passing several large blood clots or more than a few tablespoons of blood, requires prompt evaluation.