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Caring for Your Child after a Colonoscopy



What to Expect

 

It is common to have bloating and gas pain because air was put into your child's colon.  Your child will feel better when he expels the air.

Your child may not have a bowel movement for 1-2 days.

 

After a polypectomy, or if biopsies were taken, a small amount of rectal bleeding may be present.

 

At Home

 

Rest today. Your child may resume his normal daily routine tomorrow.

 

You may resume your child's routine medicines unless told otherwise. 

 

Your child may resume his normal diet.

 

There may be some soreness or redness at the IV site for a day or two.  You can relieve this by placing a warm, moist washcloth over the site.  Please contact your child's primary doctor if this does not improve in a couple of days.

 

Do not make any important decisions or return to school today.

Call your child's doctor right away if your child has

 

  • chills
  • fever over 101° F
  • abdominal pain
  • large amount of rectal bleeding (greater than 1-2 tablespoons)
  • extreme abdominal bloating

 

Phone Numbers

 

If you have questions or concerns, please call your child's doctor or the Pediatric GI Clinic.

 

Doctor ___________________________

 

Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinic, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
(608) 263-6420

 

After clinic hours, the clinic number will be answered by the paging operator.  Ask for the Gastroenterology (GI) Fellow on call.  Leave your name and phone number with the area code.  The doctor will call you back.

 

If you live out of the area, call 1-800-323-8942.



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 10/22/2010

Copyright © 01/21/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6814

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