Post-Endoscopy Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Q: Post-Endoscopy Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns

Hello： 1. <br>Some individuals may experience a slower recovery after bowel cleansing due to intestinal irritation. <br>It is advisable to maintain a light diet, low in oil and dairy, which should help restore normal function. <br>2. <br>If it is a specimen, a complete report may

Diarrhea that is watery and appears to have little color?

Last week on March 5th, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and a colonoscopy.
The day before, on March 4th, I drank a bowel preparation solution, which I believe was called Nifuratel.
After the procedures, I returned home and have been experiencing diarrhea, which is quite watery and lacks color.
This has been ongoing for a week now, and I also feel bloated.
I can eat, but it feels like I wouldn't be affected if I didn't eat at all.
Before March 4th, my bowel movements were normal in terms of color and consistency.
Why did my condition change after the procedures?
Additionally, why do I have to wait a week to return for a follow-up appointment to hear the results? Shouldn't the doctor provide the information immediately after the examination? Is there something that needs to be tested? My family was present during the procedures (I had a painless endoscopy and colonoscopy, so I was asleep), so the doctor should have informed them about my condition, right? I had the procedures done at a large hospital (Hualien Mennonite Hospital).
Please help me clarify these concerns.
Thank you.

Xiao Cheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/03/12

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: 1.
Some individuals may experience a slower recovery after bowel cleansing due to intestinal irritation.
It is advisable to maintain a light diet, low in oil and dairy, which should help restore normal function.
2.
If it is a specimen, a complete report may be provided after one week.
Wishing you good health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.

Reply Date: 2012/03/12

More Info

Post-endoscopy diarrhea can be a concerning and uncomfortable experience for many patients. Understanding the potential causes and implications of this condition is essential for managing your health effectively.

After undergoing procedures like gastroscopy (upper endoscopy) and colonoscopy, it is not uncommon for patients to experience changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea. This can be attributed to several factors:
1. Preparation for the Procedure: Prior to endoscopic examinations, patients are often required to undergo bowel preparation, which typically involves consuming a laxative solution (like the one you mentioned, possibly polyethylene glycol or similar). This preparation is designed to clear the intestines of stool to allow for a clearer view during the procedure. However, this can disrupt the normal flora of the gut and lead to temporary diarrhea.

2. Irritation from the Procedure: The endoscopic procedures themselves can cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. The insertion of the endoscope can lead to minor trauma or inflammation in the lining of the stomach or intestines, which may result in diarrhea as the body attempts to heal.

3. Dietary Changes: Post-procedure, patients may experience changes in their diet, either due to discomfort or dietary restrictions. If you have altered your diet significantly after the procedure, this could also contribute to gastrointestinal upset.

4. Infection or Other Complications: Although less common, there is a possibility of developing an infection or other complications following an endoscopy. If the diarrhea persists, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like fever, severe abdominal pain, or blood in the stool, it is crucial to seek medical attention.

5. Gut Flora Disruption: The bowel preparation and the procedure itself can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria. This dysbiosis can lead to symptoms like diarrhea and bloating.
Regarding your experience of persistent watery diarrhea for a week, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider. While it may be a result of the factors mentioned above, prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can be serious if not addressed.
As for your concern about the timing of receiving your endoscopy results, it is standard practice for pathologists to examine biopsy samples taken during the procedure. This process can take time, as the samples need to be properly prepared and analyzed. The results are typically communicated during a follow-up appointment to ensure that the physician can provide a comprehensive explanation and address any questions you may have. It is not uncommon for patients to be under sedation during the procedure, which is why the physician may choose to discuss findings with a family member present rather than the patient immediately after the procedure.

In summary, while post-endoscopy diarrhea can be a common occurrence, especially following bowel preparation, it is important to monitor your symptoms. If the diarrhea persists or worsens, or if you experience any additional concerning symptoms, please reach out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. They can provide guidance on dietary adjustments, hydration, and any necessary treatments to help restore your gastrointestinal health.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Ongoing Gastrointestinal Concerns After Endoscopy

Hello doctor, I have been experiencing severe gastroenteritis in January, July, and September since 2015, with symptoms including frequent diarrhea, no vomiting, and high fever. Since the gastroenteritis episode in September, my gastrointestinal health has seemed off; I easily de...

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If you have undergone both colonoscopy and gastroscopy, you can generally feel reassured. It is likely just a temporary dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract following acute inflammation, and the recovery time varies from person to person. It is important to be patient...

Persistent Diarrhea After Painless Endoscopy: Causes and Solutions

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Date: November 20, 2015 Results: Gastroscopy: Gastritis Colonoscopy: Hemorrhoids Before the painless procedure, I had normal bowel movements every morning. Since the procedure on the mentioned date until today, January 2, 2016, I have been experiencing ...

Dr. Yang Zhichao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Dear Mr. Kuo, a colonoscopy and gastroscopy do not cause diarrhea; however, it is possible that you had a gastrointestinal viral infection prior to the examination. I would recommend checking your stool first, and if there are no issues, then we can manage it with medication. Cha...

Post-Colonoscopy Diarrhea: Is It Normal After Two Weeks?

Hello, doctor. My mother (60 years old) had a colonoscopy two weeks ago, and the results were healthy. She usually has regular and normal bowel movements, but since the colonoscopy, she has been experiencing intermittent diarrhea for the past two weeks. Is this normal? Thank you.

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
After undergoing a colonoscopy, some patients may experience this phenomenon, which is likely related to bowel preparation. If the bowel cleansing is thorough, it can lead to the depletion of gut probiotics. Younger individuals tend to rebuild their probiotic flora more quickly, ...

Understanding Post-Colonoscopy Symptoms: Causes and Solutions

Hello Dr. Sun, I have a 70-year-old grandmother who has been experiencing frequent diarrhea recently. The doctor at the clinic suggested she undergo a colonoscopy at a larger hospital. After the procedure, no issues were found, but she continues to have frequent diarrhea, especia...

Dr. Sun Yizhen reply Internal Medicine
Symptoms like these are not commonly associated with a routine colonoscopy; however, the aforementioned symptoms should be evaluated and treated further by a colorectal surgeon.