What Causes Lower Right Quadrant Pain After A Colonoscopy?

Posted on Wed, 1 Mar 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 1 Mar 2017 Answered on

Fri, 17 Mar 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a colonoscopy yesterday at noon and it is now 8:30pm the next day, 32hrs later. The right lower quadrant of my abdomen has been achy all day in one location. It is not sensitive to the touch but seems to get achy after I eat or if I experience gas pressure, not severe, just constant pain, almost like a torn muscle pain. I have not seen any blood or have yet to have a bowel movement, however, am worried about internal bleeding or any other complications, should I go to the ER?

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Pain could be due to mild inflammation.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Colonoscopy enters from the Anus to the Caecum
which is present in the right lower quadrant. Any invasive procedure can have complications. It may cause minor mucosal trauma leading to pain.
After passage of stool only,we can know whether bleeding has occurred or not.
In cases of perforation of colon,there will be severe pain,vomiting, abdominal distension and absolute constipation.
If you are passing flatus , nothing to worry at all.
Please take plenty of liquids, eat high fiber diet, fresh fruits and vegetables. You stool will be soft.
For pain after Colonoscopy, I prescribe anti spasmodic tablet containing Dicyclomine to my patients.
Nothing to worry.
Hope I answered your query.If you have any questions, I will clarify further.
Wish you good health.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy