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Pain Relief for a Colonoscopy

The examinations of your colon or large intestine feature the insertion of a flexible viewing tube with lenses and a small TV camera with a light on the end. Doctors use colonoscopies to identify cancer, abnormal growths called polyps, bleeding and other issues. Colonoscopies, though, may cause pain during and after the procedures.

  1. Pain Relief During

    • To alleviate the pain of a colonoscopy, you may be given intravenous drugs during the procedure. Medications often used are Fentanyl and Versed. Fentanyl is an analgesic drug designed to control pain and Versed is a sedative. In many cases, both drugs are used simultaneously. Demerol is sometimes substituted for Versed. Valium and propofol are also sometimes used for pain relief during a colonoscopy.

    Pain Relief After

    • Bloating general soreness and pain associated with constipation are common after a colonoscopy. Drinking lots of water after a colonoscopy helps to reduce constipation pain. Massaging the stomach helps to reduce bloating, which is often associated with gases temporarily lodged in the colon. For more general pain, the best option is an over-the-counter medication, but some should be avoided. Products featuring acetaminophen are recommended. Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, aspirin and other analgesics should not be taken for two weeks following a colonoscopy. They increase the risk of bleeding.

    Considerations

    • Along with pain and discomfort, colonoscopies often result in mild rectal bleeding. This is primarily the case if a polyp was removed or a biopsy was performed. Most bleeding stops in one to two days. If bleeding persists, is heavy or features clotted blood, you might require treatment. Contact your doctor.

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