Results and advice after bowel cancer screening colonoscopy

GI Unit

Patient Information Leaflet

Introduction

This leaflet is about your bowel cancer screening colonoscopy. It gives information about how you will get your results, what you should do when you get home and contact information for if you have any problems.

Your endoscopist was:

Your specialist screening practitioner was:

Biopsies (tissues samples) have been taken: Yes  No 

Polyps have been removed: Yes  No 

How do I get the colonoscopy results?

One of the specialist screening practitioners will contact you by phone the next working day after your colonoscopy.

During your colonoscopy, the doctor may have used a technique called optical diagnosis. This means they closely examined small polyps using high quality imaging to assess whether they were harmless. When a tiny polyp looks completely benign, it can be safely removed and not sent to the laboratory. This approach is known as resect and discard. This approach is known as resect and discard and is carried out throughout the country within the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. It avoids unnecessary testing while keeping you safe. If any polyps needed laboratory analysis, we will let you know your results separately. If you have not received your results within 10 days, contact the Specialist Screening Practitioners on 01902 695193.

When can I eat and drink?

You can eat and drink straight away after the procedure. However, you may prefer to eat something light for the rest of the day. You can eat normally from tomorrow.

When can I take my usual medicines/tablets?

You can take your usual medicines later today and as normal tomorrow.

Special instructions:

What should I do for the next 24 hours?

It is a good idea to rest for the remainder of the day and have a quiet day tomorrow.

If you have been given sedation:

The sedation will affect your reflexes and judgement therefore it is very important that you follow these instructions:

• You will need to arrange for a responsible adult to take you home, either by car or taxi. You will not be able to go home on public transport.

• Someone should stay with you overnight.

• You cannot by law be in charge of a motor vehicle or moving machinery for 24 hours afterwards.

• You should not sign legally binding documents for 24 hoursafterwards.

• Do not drink alcohol.

The sedation we give patients for the procedure makes you comfortable, but it may affect your memory for up to 24 hours. You may not remember anything about the procedure afterwards.

What should I expect if I have been given Entonox?

Entonox passes out of your system within five to 10 minutes. You may feel a little dizzy but should recover quickly.

If you have driven to the appointment, you are able to drive home as long as:

• You have not had sedation for your procedure (in this case you will need someone else to take you home).
• At least 30 minutes have passed since you had the Entonox.
• The nurses are happy that the effects of the Entonox have worn off.
• You feel safe to drive.

How will I feel when I am at home?

It is usual to feel a little bloated for a few hours as air has been put into your bowel. This will pass naturally.

You may pass a little blood when you next go to the toilet, especially if you have had biopsies or polyps removed. It may take a few days for your bowels to work normally again.

What if I feel unwell at home?

If you have severe abdominal (tummy) pain, pass large amounts of blood, have a temperature or have chest pains, you must telephone for help and advice by following the instructions on the next page.

Contact:

Specialist screening practitioners on 01902 695193 (8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday).

At all other times, go to the Emergency Department at Russells Hall Hospital or your local hospital if this is nearer.

You should explain that you have recently had a colonoscopy and describe your symptoms. If possible, bring the copy of your colonoscopy report with you, but do not delay if you cannot find this.

It may be necessary for you to stay in hospital overnight.

Russells Hall Hospital switchboard number: 01384 456111

If you have any questions, or if there is anything you do not understand about this leaflet, please contact Russells Hall Hospital on 01384 456111.

If you have any feedback on this patient information leaflet, please email dgft.patient.information@nhs.net.

Originator: Specialist screening practitioners. Date reviewed: June 2026. Next review due: September 2029. Version: 2. DGH ref: DGH/PIL/00907