WHO HAS THE MOST RISK FROM A COLONOSCOPY

Sally Lorimer, Stan Cohen

While colonoscopy usually has a small risk, there are certain individuals who have a somewhat increased chance of having a colonoscopy: 

• Are over 80 years of age
• Have a blockage in their intestine
• Have active disease or a narrowing (stricture)
• Need that narrowed area opened at colonoscopy (dilation)
• Have active inflammation in the colon (the large intestine) 
• Are on steroids, opioids (narcotics), immune-acting medicines or biologic medicines  
• Have had multiple abdominal or pelvic (bladder or female) surgeries
• Have had pelvic radiation
• Have diverticulosis

Many thanks to Sally Lorimer for her help with helping to balance the risks against those in our everyday lives.