Colonoscopy as a common diagnostic and therapeutic procedure is generally safe and the incidence of adverse events is rare. We respectively assessed the frequency of adverse events requiring hospitalization within 30 days after colonoscopy

In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed the report of colonoscopy that were performed from 1392 to 1396 in university--affiliated hospital. Demographic factors, including age, race, gender, colonoscopy indication, findings including polyp detection rate and early complications were recorded. patient health records reviewed for serious complications requiring hospitalization within 30 days after index colonoscopy.

A total of 9928 individuals underwent colonoscopies. The mean age of the individuals was 53±15.9 years. Seventeen (0.2 %) patients with serious complication requiring hospitalization were identified. The most common adverse event was bleeding (7 patients, 0.1%) and five patients (0.1%) experienced cardiopulmonary events, four patient (0.04%) experienced colon perforation and one patient experienced sepsis. Two deaths were reported. Out of 1396 (14.1%) of the colonoscopies that were performed for screening purpose, 314 (22.5%) individuals had one or more polyp (PDR=22.5%).

Although the incidence of serious complications after colonoscopy is rare, worldwide use of this procedure leads to an increased rate of complications. Early recognition and treatment of adverse events are essential to improve patients’ outcome.