A parent's guide to a colonoscopy

What is a colonoscopy?

During a colonoscopy, a doctor uses a thin, bendy tube with a camera (called a colonoscope) to look inside the:

• large intestine (colon); and

• the end part of the small intestine (terminal ileum).

Why might my child need this test?

Your doctor may suggest a colonoscopy for one or more of the following reasons.

• To find out why your child has tummy pain, diarrhoea, bleeding, or weight loss.

• To look for problems like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or polyps. Sometimes polyps are removed during the test.

• To take small samples of tissue (biopsies) for testing.

How do I prepare my child for the test?

• Before the procedure

  • Your child will need to eat a special diet, and take laxatives to empty their bowel. We will give you clear instructions for this.

  • We will write or call to tell you the date of the test, and where to come.

• If your child's test is in the morning

  • Stop food, milk, juice, and soft drinks at 2.30am on the morning of their test.

  • Your child can sip water or a clear drink until 1 to 2 hours before their test.

• If your child's test is in the afternoon

  • Stop food, milk, juice, and soft drinks at 7.30am on the morning of their test.

  • Your child can sip water or a clear drink until 1 to 2 hours before their test.

• Tell the doctor about any medicines your child takes. Tell them if your child has any allergies, or has recently been ill (especially coughs or breathing problems).

• Bring the following to the hospital

  • A favourite toy or comfort item.

  • Any medical letters or records.

  • Any regular medicines.

What happens on the day of my child's test?

• Checking in

  • Arrive at the hospital at the time given. Go to Dolphin Ward.

  • We will give your child an ID bracelet to wear.

• Before the test

  • A nurse will check your child’s temperature, blood pressure, and other signs.

  • A doctor will explain the test and answer any questions.

  • The anaesthetist (sleep medicine doctor) will also speak to you. They will explain sedation or general anaesthetic, and check your child is ready for the test.

Consent and your choices

• You will be asked to give your consent before the procedure.

• This means you agree for your child to have the test. Only sign this form after we have given you all the information you need to make a decision.

• You can withdraw your consent at any time, even on the day of the procedure.

What if I choose for my child not to have a colonoscopy?

• These procedures help us understand the cause of your child's symptoms, and guide future treatment.

• Without them, it may be harder to make a diagnosis or plan the best care for your child.

• If you have any concerns or questions about the procedure or the tests, please speak to your doctor or healthcare team. They are here to support you and discuss any alternatives or next steps.

What happens during the test?

• Sedation / General anaesthetic (medicine to make your child sleep)

  • We give your child a general anaesthetic / deep sedation, so they feel nothing during the test.

  • Sometimes your child may need a breathing tube for safety. An anaesthetist will discuss this with you on the day of your child’s procedure. If you have any questions, please speak to the anaesthetist.

  • One parent can stay, until your child is asleep.

Is this procedure safe?

Yes, a colonoscopy is a very safe procedure. However, some children do experience the following.

• Tummy pain, a sore bottom, or small amount of blood in stools (poo) for a day or two after the test.

• Bloodstream infection from the biopsy site. Please go to the Paediatric Emergency Department, if your child develops:

  • abdominal (tummy) swelling;

  • a temperature over 38°C; or

  • appears unwell.

• If the bowel is not completely clean of stools (poo), we may not be able to finish the test. If this happens, we will rearrange the test for another day.

• A small tear / hole in the wall of the colon, can happen during the test. This is very rare but serious. If this happens, your child would need a short stay in hospital and treatment with antibiotics and gut rest. Very occasionally your child may need surgery to repair the tear.

The doctor will talk to you about the above before your child's test. If you have any questions or concerns, please ask.

What happens after the test?

• Waking up

  • Your child will rest in recovery until they wake up.

  • Nurses will check they are comfortable.

  • Your child may feel sleepy, or have mild cramps or bloating for a short time.

• Speaking to the doctor

  • The doctor will tell you what they found.

  • They will explain any next steps.

• Going home

  • When fully awake and your doctor feels it is safe to do so, your child can go home and eat as normal.

• At home

  • Keep your child hydrated. Make sure they have plenty to drink.

  • Eat meals as normal.

  • Make sure your child rests for 24 hours after their test. Avoid running, cycling, and sports. Older children should not drive for 24 hours.

  • Most children can go back to school or nursery the next day.

What if I have any urgent concerns?

Call for help urgently if your child:

• has very bad tummy pain or a swollen tummy;

• passes a lot of blood (a little can be normal);

• feels unwell;

• refuses to eat or drink;

• is unusually sleepy;

• has a high temperature of over 38°C; and / or

• keeps vomiting.

If your child experiences any of the above, please go to your nearest Paediatric Emergency Department or call 999. There are Paediatric Emergency Departments at:

• Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (QEQM) Hospital, Margate; and

• William Harvey Hospital, Ashford.

Please be aware that Kent and Canterbury Hospital does not have a Paediatric Emergency Department.

Will my child have a follow-up appointment?

Yes. You and your child will have an appointment to talk about the biopsy results and next steps. We will send the details of this appointment to you in the post.

The results can take up to 6 weeks.

Tips for a smooth visit

• Talk to your child: explain the test simply, and reassure them.

• Bring comfort items to the appointment: a favourite toy, book, or blanket.

• Praise them: encourage and reward their bravery.

• Be patient: waiting times can vary. You may need to stay at the hospital for at least half a day.

Contact details

For general enquiries, please call the Paediatric Endoscopy Co-ordinator.

• Paediatric Endoscopy Coordinator
  Telephone: 01277 868678
  Email

Fun facts for kids

• Your intestines are super long. If you stretched out your small and large intestines, they would be as tall as a giraffe - about 7 metres (22 feet).

• Your body talks to the doctor. The tiny camera in an endoscope lets the doctor see inside your tummy. Like a telescope looking at the stars.

• There is a second brain in your tummy. Your gut has over 100 million nerve cells, so scientists call it your “second brain”. It helps with digestion and can even affect your mood.

• A superhero team in your gut. Trillions of friendly bacteria live in your intestines. They help break down food, fight germs, and keep you healthy.

We look forward to seeing you at Kent and Canterbury Hospital and helping your child feel better soon.

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