Colonoscopy needed or can it wait?

[lacarrie]

I am a 27 yr old female who went to a gastroentologist b/c had very small amount of blood about in stool after straining. This is very infrequent. every few months or even longer apart, this started during my 1st pregnancy 5 years ago. I assumed hemmoriods, can be sore after as well for a day or so. 3 months ago I had a minor cramp/bruised feeling under left rib cage. This pain is very minor, some days feels like a bruise some days feel nothing. I had an ultrasound of the abdomen and area that bothered me and it was normal. Doctor wanted cat scan but I had an unenhanced pelvic ct scan last year for pelvic pain ( that resolved itself with a few months) , and did not want more radiation unless completly necessary.  I have also had loose pencil like bowls for a few months (not ribbon like and no blood). I also have normal bowls as well but more loose bowls than normal. Bowls are once daily. The doctor did exam and said I had internal hemmoriods and was going to do a sigmiodoscopy but since I have the slight cramp like feeling under ribs wants a colonoscopy.  I am planning to get pregnant and want to know if it is ok to get pregnant a few weeks after this procedure b/c of the meds they use. I will not be pregnant at the time of procedure I just wonder how long the drugs are in your system. My obgyn said this procedure can wait until after pregnancy. I have no colon cancer history in my family as well. Also I am very anxious of the risks of his procedure.. the overdose of sedative or puncturing my colon as well as this causes me alot of worrying. Is this a very safe procedure that I may as well have just to be safe and can safely get pregnant soon after? or are my risks very low forcolon cancer and should  I wait untill after pregnancy like my obgyn suggested? Also if it were something serious would all stools be pencil like and b/c some are normal is this a good sign? Thanks

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I can't give specific recommendations over the internet.  

In general, a colonscopy would be the more comprehensive test, as the sigmoidoscopy only looks at 1/3 of the colon.  

That said, blood in the stool with changes in the stool shape or caliber may warrant a more thorough evaluation, especially if you're having symptoms up in the rib area.

Either test wouldn't be unreasonable.  It would depend on how aggressive your GI physician wants to be in the evaluation, along with your OB's opinion surrounding the potential pregnancy.

Regarding the sedation, they would not be in your system for more than a few days or so, if even that.  

These questions can be discussed with your personal physicians.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.

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