What are the risks of perforation in a colonoscopy?

Answer by  RRGKK (412)

Unless there is a prior injury or disease condition that has weakened the tissue of the large intestine, the risk is low. Either of the prior exceptions can cause weakening of the walls and increase the chance for a complication. With a doctor of extensive experience, you have little to fear, but ask him/her about risks to soothe your nerves.

Answer by  sue123 (375)

Any type of surgery or medical procedure carries a certain amount of risk and a person has to weigh the benefit of the procedure versus the amount of risk. A colonoscopy is a relatively quick and easy to perform and under the guidance of a qualified colon and rectal surgeon a perforation is very unlikely to occur.