What the risks are:

• Heavy or persistent bleeding from biopsy or polyp-removal sites
• Hole or tear in the wall of the colon (bowel perforation) that requires a repair operation
• Fluid imbalances in the body due to enemas and laxatives given before the procedure
• Infection needing antibiotic therapy (very rare)
• Nausea, vomiting, bloating, or rectal irritation caused by medicines taken by mouth to cleanse the bowel
• Reaction to sedative medication, causing breathing problems or low blood pressure

Be sure to tell your health care provider if you have a history of congestive heart failure, kidney disease, or cirrhosis.

Special considerations:

You must sign an informed consent form. Several hours of rest is recommended after the test. To replace fluids lost because of laxatives and fasting, drink plenty of liquids after the test.