human
My doctor told me to get a colonoscopy, but I'm worried about the risks. What are the risks?
assistant
The most common risk associated with a colonoscopy is an infection of the lower digestive tract. This can be caused by bacteria from the environment entering the body through the colonoscope. Other risks include damage to the lining of the colon and bleeding. These risks can be minimized by following your doctor's instructions for preparing for the procedure and aftercare.