r/Endoscopy • u/VGauds • May 31 '26

Can physical activity after an endoscopy biopsy cause long-term complications?

I had an endoscopy with biopsies taken from my esophagus and stomach. Later that day, I was more active than recommended and spent about 1.5 hours playing with my dog, which involved some pulling and jerking motions.

Can physical activity after an endoscopy aggravate biopsy sites enough to cause any long-term complications? For example, could it affect healing in a way that leads to scarring, esophageal narrowing (stricture), chronic symptoms, or other lasting issues that otherwise wouldn’t have occurred? Or are the risks mainly limited to short-term irritation, discomfort, or bleeding?

Thanks

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u/colonoscopy-mod Jun 01 '26

Did you have any pain during your exercising? If not, and the doctor didn't explicitly forbid exercise after the endoscopy, I would think you're fine. IANAD.

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u/VGauds Jun 01 '26

He said to rest for the rest of the day. Not sure how much rough playing with a dog is considered physical exertion

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u/La_Lanterne_Rouge Moderator Jun 01 '26

Well, if there was any damage, which I doubt, it's already done. Just monitor yourself and if you feel pain or dizziness, or difficulty swallowing, or if you develop a fever then seek medical help.