endoscopy gone wrong

[trc1962]

Good afternoon to all. On August the 5th I had an upper endoscopy to check for a possible ulcer. The provider biopsed for helibactor pylori and finished up and I went home. My neck immediately was swollen and painful and it was ascertained my parotid glands had become inflammed due to the procedure and because I was slightly dehydrated from fasting. I was relieved the glands would resolve on their own and I ate some dinner and went to bed. I was awakened in the night with extreme pain in my abdomen and after waiting it out awhile I headed to the ER. A CT Scan revealed I had suffered a volvulus from the endoscopy and my colon and small intestine tangled, surgery was the only option. almost a third of my colon was removed and a small amount of small intestine. After surgery I developed an ileus (where my bowel was paralyzed) and I was in a waiting game. Finally I had to have an NG tube inserted and everything drained and I slowly began to eat and drink again. I was discharged to come home and I am in quite a recovery, no ability to start school on time. I was never aware that a volvulus is a rare but possible complication of both endoscopy and colonoscopy, it is probably in the small print of the release, but I am aware of it now. I have canceled my October colonoscopy as my last colonoscopy was clear and colon cancer isn't in my family. I will use cologuard unless I have symptoms. I share what happened to me not to scare others, but to let people know that volvus can happen and to talk with their provider if they are concerned before the procedure. I am grateful I survived this and still have enough colon to eventually function normally, but it is hard now and I suffered a lot.

[Linda196]

I'm so sorry you've had to go through this, but yes, it is a possible comlication of any endoscopy where air is introduced into the gastric system to visualize the interior. My GI was very thourough in his evaulation and preparation for a colonscopy, and said that since I was born with pyloric stenosis and have developed a diaphramic (Hiatal) hernia, there was a possibility of other bowel abnomalities and I would be at slightly higher risk as a result. He was actually more concerned about my long term steroid use and the increased possibility of perforation, and so I imagine maybe more conscencious about preparing me?

I'm glad you are on the road to recovery.

[araminta]

I'm very sorry to hear about all that, trc, it sounds like a nightmare.   It's very thoughtful and kind of you to post about it on here.   I must say I'd never heard of this happening.   Very glad to hear you're on the mend.

[trc1962]

Thanks for the replies. I continue to recover and am 2 weeks post colon resection. I still feel weak at times but am eating little amounts more often and rest when needed. I can't start school next week, but thankfully I have sick leave to cover. I did notice on the post endoscopy notes that I also have a very small hiatal hernia and maybe that made me more likely to have the post endoscopy issues. I hope someday fairly soon that I will start to feel more normal and have a bit more energy. Because I do not have colon cancer in my family, I am going to utilize Cologuard as a screening tool instead of a colonoscopy for later in the year when I am due. Best wishes to all and hopefully everyone is keeping cool!

[eye2dry]

trc62.
My husband and I have a colonoscopy every 10 years bc it's recommended. Like you, we always have good results with no bowel cancer in our families.
We have decided lately that we will not get them anymore. My in laws are 86 and 94 and they've never had one