At a glance
Before you leave, ask what the colonoscopy showed and whether any samples need laboratory testing. Find out who will explain the final results, how and when you should hear, and who to contact if you do not.
The first explanation may not be the final result
The clinician can explain the initial findings after a colonoscopy. If tissue samples were taken, you may need to wait for the laboratory results before the clinician can give you a full explanation and follow-up plan.
A biopsy is a small sample of tissue taken for examination. A pathologist studies it to help identify what is happening in the tissue. The fact that a biopsy was taken does not by itself tell you what the result will be. Ask which results are available and which are still pending.
Sources: Healthdirect: What happens after colonoscopy; Better Health Channel: Biopsy
Ask whether the examination was complete
Ask whether the examination was complete and whether the bowel preparation allowed a clear view. If the report mentions a limitation, ask the clinician what it means for your care.
Keep the procedure report and any later pathology report together. They cover different parts of the assessment. Receiving one report does not mean all your results have been reviewed.
Sources: Australian Commission: Colonoscopy reporting and follow-up
Write down who is responsible for follow-up
Before leaving, ask which clinician or team will review any outstanding results and explain them to you. Check whether you need to arrange an appointment or whether the team will contact you. Make a note of the agreed plan and give the team your current contact details.
If you are seeing your GP after the procedure, ask whether they have received the report. Tell the team handling your follow-up if you move or change GP while waiting for results, so they can update the plan.
- Which results are still outstanding?
- Who will explain them, and how will they contact me?
- When should I get in touch if I have heard nothing?
- Will my referring clinician receive the final report?
If you have not heard when expected
Contact the team responsible for your results using the details on your discharge or booking instructions. Tell them when and where you had the procedure, and what follow-up you were expecting. If you have not heard, do not assume the results were normal.
Ask when to expect your results and who to contact if there is a delay. Follow the timing agreed with your treating team rather than a general timeframe from a website.
What do the findings mean for your care?
Ask how the findings relate to the reason you had the colonoscopy. If symptoms continue, tell your GP or treating clinician rather than assuming the test has explained them. Any recommendation for another investigation or a future colonoscopy should come with an explanation of why it is being considered.
Ask for any unfamiliar terms to be explained and for a copy of the plan. Note anything you need to do, such as arranging a follow-up appointment.
Sources
These references support the general information above. They do not replace instructions for your own booking.
Your follow-up
Keep the follow-up plan with your report
Before leaving, note who is following up any outstanding results and when to contact them. For medical questions after the procedure, follow your discharge instructions.
Read the recovery planning guide
