title: Colonoscopy: a prospective report of complications.
abstract: Patients (N = 2,097) undergoing ambulatory office colonoscopy were followed to determine the incidence of endoscopic complications. In this group, 1,320 patients had diagnostic colonoscopy with or without biopsy; 777 patients had 2,019 polyps removed. Three of 2,097 patients (0.1%) had transient hypotension requiring i.v. fluid resuscitation and oxygen administration. All patients went home without sequelae. Acute postpolypectomy bleeding occurred in 11 of 777 patients (1%) requiring acute management; bleeding was controlled during colonoscopy in all. Postpolypectomy syndrome occurred in 9 of 777 patients (1%). All patients were treated medically. Late postpolypectomy bleeding occurred in 15 of 777 patients (2%). Perforation occurred in two of 777 patients (0.3%), at 1 and 9 days postpolypectomy. Both patients underwent surgery with uneventful recoveries. We conclude that office colonoscopy including polypectomy is safe. The overall complication rate for therapeutic ambulatory colonoscopy was 5%, with major events requiring hospitalization in 2% of patients.
authors.affiliation: GI Endoscopy Unit, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Waye
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yessayan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003111:Colonic Polyps / Q000601:surgery*; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods