Day Surgery: Colonoscopy

Information for Parents and Children having a Colonoscopy at the Day of Surgery Unit.

Colonoscopy is a procedure in which a gastroenterologist (a specialist doctor) looks at the inside of the large bowel (colon) using a long flexible tube that has a light and a camera on the end. This tube is known as a colonoscope.

The colonoscope is inserted into the bottom (anus) and then slowly advanced through the large bowel. The bowel is carefully examined and small samples of bowel tissue (biopsies) are taken and collected for further tests.

A child may need a colonoscopy to find a cause for gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea and bleeding from the bowel.

Gastroscopy is a procedure in which a gastroenterologist looks inside the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. This is often performed at the same time as the colonoscopy.

Polypectomy is the removal of a polyp, which may also be performed at the same time as the colonoscopy if required. A polyp is an overgrowth of tissue, shaped like a mushroom, which can cause bleeding.

Please read the factsheet: Colonoscopy for more information.

Colonoscopy is done under an anaesthetic, so your child will be asleep the whole time and not remember anything. Most children only need to be in the hospital day stay unit for a few hours and do not need to stay overnight. They may need an injection for the anaesthetic. You can ask for some local anaesthetic cream to be put on first. This will make the skin go numb so your child does not feel the injection.

Eating and drinking

While your child is recovering from the procedure, they can start eating a light diet such as sandwiches, pasta, soup or jelly.
Babies can breastfeed or have formula feeds as usual.

Nausea and vomiting

Do not worry if your child feels sick or vomits once or twice after leaving hospital.
If they do vomit or feel sick, they should stop eating for about an hour, then try starting back on a light diet if they can do this without feeling ill.
If your child continues to vomit, please contact the 'Gastroenterology Registrar' - see end of this fact sheet for contact details.

Activity

Your child should be able to return to normal activities the day after the procedure.

Possible after-effects of the procedure

Mild abdominal (tummy) pain and bloating are common after the procedure. Encourage your child to rest and drink clear fluids (such as water or cordial) until they are feeling better.
A sore throat is also common. If your child is old enough, give them a throat lozenge to suck.
These after-effects are usually mild and will go away within 24 hours.
If your child has severe abdominal pain or a significant amount of blood in the stool (poo), it is important to contact your Gastroenterologist or the emergency department.

Follow-up appointments

Your child's Gastroenterologist will normally discuss the follow-up plan with you before you leave the hospital.
If it is the follow-up plan is not clear before you leave, speak to your nurse in the Day Surgery Unit.

For more information

If you have any significant concerns after the procedure, you should contact one of the following:

Your family doctor
The Gastroenterology Registrar through the hospital switch board on (03) 9345 5522
Your child's Gastroenterologist on (03) 9345 5060 office hours or (03) 9345 5522 after hours
The Gastroenterologist on call (03) 9345 5060 office hours or (03) 9345 5522 after hours
The Emergency Department at RCH (03) 9345 5522
Also read: About Colonscopy
The name of your child's Gastroenterologist is:

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DAY SURGERY UNIT
Monday to Friday 7am - 7pm, Phone: (03) 9345 6570

Factsheet developed by the RCH Day Surgery Unit. First published 2005. Updated April 2008.