What is the complication rate for diagnostic colonoscopy?

The complication rate for diagnostic colonoscopy is generally estimated to be around 1 in 1000 to 1 in 1500 procedures. This includes complications such as perforation of the colon, significant bleeding, or adverse reactions to sedation.

Choosing the figure of 1 in 1500 reflects a balanced view, considering both reported complications in large clinical studies and the overall safety of the procedure when performed by trained professionals. This complication rate is relatively low, which supports the widespread use of diagnostic colonoscopy as a screening tool for colorectal cancer and for evaluating gastrointestinal symptoms.

While the other proposed rates do exist within the literature, 1 in 1500 is regarded as a more accurate representation of the risk based on current data and trends in clinical practice, especially for diagnostic colonoscopy, where fewer invasive interventions are performed compared to therapeutic colonoscopy.