Comedians describe colonoscopy complications; experts say risks remain low

Two comedians have publicly discussed complications following colonoscopies in recent weeks. One described the procedure as "botched" during a May 17 podcast appearance. The second posted on Instagram that an overnight hospital stay followed her screening.

A colonoscopy examines the colon and rectum using a thin tube with a camera. The exam typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes under sedation and is used to detect cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease. Guidelines now recommend the screening starting at age 45 due to rising colorectal cancer rates among younger adults.

Gastroenterologists told USA Today that overall complication rates for routine colonoscopies are less than 1 percent. Anesthesia reactions occur in about 0.2 percent of cases, while perforation risk ranges from 0.04 percent to 0.1 percent. Bleeding after polyp removal occurs in roughly 0.1 percent to 0.2 percent of procedures.

Specialists noted that people who have undergone major abdominal surgery or are over age 70 face higher risks. In those situations, physicians may decide not to complete the exam if perforation risk appears elevated.

Experts stated that the benefits of screening outweigh the low risk of complications. Early detection allows removal of polyps before they develop into cancer. They added that preparation requirements have been reduced in recent years, with lower fluid volumes and shorter dietary restrictions.