What complications can arise from a poorly prepared bowel for a colonoscopy?

A poorly prepared bowel for a colonoscopy can lead to an incomplete examination, significantly increasing the risk of missed lesions. Proper bowel preparation is essential to clear the intestinal contents, allowing for a thorough visualization of the colonic mucosa. If the bowel isn't adequately cleansed, fecal material can obstruct the view, resulting in a reduced ability to spot important pathologies such as polyps, lesions, or signs of cancer. As a consequence, lesions may go undetected, which can have serious implications for patient outcomes, as timely diagnosis and treatment of colorectal diseases are critical for effective management.

While other complications may occur, such as discomfort or concerns related to sedation, these are secondary to the primary issue of visualization that stems from inadequate bowel cleaning. The core goal of bowel preparation is to ensure a clear and unobstructed view, and when this is compromised, it leads to the fundamental concern of potentially missing critical findings during the procedure.