Second Colonoscopy

Dear Ask The Doctor: Yesterday, I had a colonoscopy which halfway through, because the meds wore off, had to be stopped. My doctor said the half he saw was perfect, but he needs to do another colonoscopy to get to the other half where my pain is located. I started experiencing pain in my lower right side in two years ago October. In the ER, they found blood in my urine and thought I had a kidney stone. Tests were negative. Since then, I have experienced occasional bouts of diarrhea and nausea along with the lower right side pain (comes on randomly or with exercising). Other test ruled out “female problems” and found I’m anemic. My family doctor sent me to a colon specialist. CT ordered showed nothing unusual (except nodules in right lung, second CT showed more – seeing pulmonologist, CT set for March). Colon doctor suggested it could be colon polyps or a bad appendix (which he sees once every few years, requires an arthroscopic procedure to view appendix). Since polyps more likely, he suggested colonoscopy first. As colonoscopy stopped half way through, doctor wants another one to reach pain location. Nurse advised they would use the same meds but my body would likely be better react to them a second time. QUESTIONS: Are there any risks to having another colonoscopy so soon? Why would my body react differently to the same meds during a second colonoscopy? (I’m scared the drugs will wear off too early again.) If half my colon looks great, can it be assumed the rest would too? Should I skip a second colonoscopy and have the appendix procedure first? Sincere thanks.

Dear Cindy: Thank you for your clear and concise question.  Here are the answer to your questions.

1/ The risks of a second colonoscopy are the same as the risks of a first colonoscopy and it is safe to have it done twice within a short period of time if recommend by your doctor

2/ The medications should not work better or worse the second time. In fact if the dose was not sufficient, inform your gastroenterologist and he may increase the dosage the second time to enhance your comfort

3/ Never assume the unseen part of the colon is healthy because the visualized part was.  You should not skip the second colonoscopy as reccomended by your doctor.