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Is It Safe To Have Colonoscopy With History Of Damaged Intestinal Mucosa?

Posted on Mon, 19 Jan 2015

Question: Hi, I believe I have been the victim of having had my drink spiked with something that contained Hydrochloric acid and I suffered incredible stomach then followed by pains in my bowel. I saw the doctor straight away and I was treated with Ranitidine tabs and 6 courses of anti-biotics. 4 courses of what I believe wAS Flagyl then Siplotan Tab 500mg twice before I felt any relief from the pain. Following taking the above medications I started noticing chronic constipation. A year or two later Im waiting to go for a colonoscopy but I'm scared to drink the prep liquid as my intestines or part of them seems to be paralyzed. I have to drink an excessive amount of Movical and even then I dont seem to have the urge to go, as I do not seem to have muscle control in my bowel to push the waste out. I have to drink enough stool softener untill it oozes out of my anus. It seems to be the only way to empty my digestive trackt. Should I see a specialist before I go to have a Colonoscopy? Will the prep liquid hurt me more in any way? Please reply Thanks XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
There is nothing to fear about colonoscopy.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,

I am sorry for what you have gone through.
From what you are describing, it seems that your upper GI organs mucosa might have been damaged due to hypochloric acid drink you accidentally consumed.

There is nothing to fear about colonoscopy. I advise to :
- see GI specialist prior to testing. He /she will advise on the test
- drink plenty of water prior to testing
- take lactulose before taking colonoscopy preparation

Prep H or lactulose will not hurt you.

HHope it was of help!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (1 hour later)

So I understand that the GI Mucosa might have been damaged by the hydrochloric acid which was slipped in my drink. Does this Mucosa line the small intesteine as well as the colon. Cause I'm wondering if you think that both part of my intestine has been damaged or just the colon? I'm hoping that having taken all those anti-biotics might have possibly saved my small intestine at least cause I seem to have some activity still left up there. I'm also wondering that considering this happened to me 2 years ago am I likely to have cancer as a result of this? As my doctor is a sceptic about what happened to me and that I was a victim of poisoning. I'm wondering what in particular do I ask the specialist to look for to establish if my injury was the result of hydrochloric acid burns or will that show up in the collonoscopy? Thank You XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following answers to your queries...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXX,

Thank you for following up.

1. The damage is in lining along the GI tract including stomach, small and large intestines.

2. Colonoscopy will evaluate the damages to the colon.

3. Barium testing together with ct-scan and MRI are recommended to evaluate the changes in the small intestines.

4. Cancer is not to be considered as long as all your symptoms have started immediately after consumption of the hydrochloric acid drink.

All the best!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (9 hours later)

What would be the possible treatment for such a condition without cancer?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Treatment of constipation is priority....

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Treatment depends on the severity of damages. In severe cases, surgical removal of the affected bowel is advised.

Usually, diet changes are highly recommended:
- drink plenty of water and fluids
- avoid foods that would trigger constipation
- consume more foods rich in fiber content
- lactulose and sena can also help

All the best!
Dr.Klerida

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad