Skip the main content if you do not want to read it as the next section.
Colonoscopy is a safe test.
Rarely, it can tear the bowel wall. This happens in fewer than 1 in every 1,000 tests - but patients may need urgent surgery if it does.
A few patients have a reaction to the drugs used to relieve any pain and relax the muscles.
Skip the location trail if you do not want to read it as the next section.
The following page sections include static unchanging site components such as the page banner, useful links and copyright information. Return to the top of page if you want to start again.
Search within the site for the information you require. Alternatively, you can jump to the end of search form.
Skip the copyright and production information if you do not want to read it as the next section.
Page last modified 19 April 2011
End of page. You can return to the page content navigation from here.
