What You Need To Know About Endoscopy

Post Date : July 24, 2025
Gastroenterology , Gut Health
5 minutes read

If you’ve been referred for an endoscopy, it’s natural to have questions. This common medical procedure helps doctors examine the inside of your body using a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end, called an endoscope. To help put your mind at ease, we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about endoscopy.

What is an endoscopy and why might I need one?

An endoscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to look inside your body without making a large incision. The endoscope is inserted through a natural opening, such as the mouth or anus, and guided through the body.

You might need an endoscopy for a variety of reasons. It’s often used to investigate symptoms like persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or bleeding from the digestive tract. It can also be used to take biopsies (small tissue samples for analysis), remove polyps, or even treat certain conditions like bleeding ulcers.

What are the different types of endoscopy?

There are several types of endoscopy, each designed to examine a different part of the body:

Gastroscopy (also known as OGD or upper endoscopy): This examines the oesophagus (gullet), stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). It’s usually done to investigate upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing.

Colonoscopy: This procedure looks at the entire large intestine (colon) and rectum. It’s commonly used to screen for colorectal cancer, investigate changes in bowel habits, or assess conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.

Sigmoidoscopy: Like a colonoscopy, but it only examines the lower part of the large intestine and rectum.

Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate type of endoscopy based on your symptoms and medical history.

How do I prepare for an endoscopy?

Preparation varies depending on the type of endoscopy you’re having.

For a gastroscopy, you’ll typically be asked to fast for a certain period before the procedure (usually 6 hours) to ensure your stomach is empty.

For a colonoscopy, preparation is more involved. You’ll need to follow a special diet for a few days beforehand and take a strong laxative solution to completely clear your bowels. This is crucial for a clear view during the examination. You’ll receive detailed instructions from your healthcare team well in advance.

For a flexible sigmoidoscopy you will be given an enema on the day of your procedure

It’s also important to inform your doctor about any medications you’re taking, especially blood thinners, and any allergies you have.

What happens during the procedure? Is it painful?

Most endoscopies are performed as outpatient procedures, meaning you won’t need to stay in hospital overnight.

What happens during a gastroscopy?

1. Your throat is numbed with a local anaesthetic spray	5. It can be uncomfortable but generally not painful
2. You may be offered a sedative to help you relax	6. You may have biopsies taken if required
3. You will be asked to lay on your left side	7. If choose sedation most people Remember little or nothing afterwards
4. You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort as the camera passes through the mouth into the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach and small bowel.	The procedure usually takes about 5-10 mins

What happens during a Colonoscopy?

1. Sedation is usually offered routinely	4. You may have biopsies taken if required
2. Entonox (Gas &Air) is also available if required	The procedure usually takes about 30-45 minutes
3. You might feel some bloating or cramping as air is gently pumped into the bowel to improve visibility.

What happens during a Flexible sigmoidoscopy?

1. An enema is given before the test to clear the lower bowel	3. You may feel some cramping or bloating, but it is usually tolerated well
2. Sedation is not usually required, but you can use Entonox (Gas & Air) for pain relief	The procedure usually takes around 15 minutes

What happens after the endoscopy?

After the procedure, you’ll be monitored in a recovery area until the effects of any sedation wear off. You might feel a bit drowsy or have some temporary discomfort, such as a sore throat after a gastroscopy or bloating after a colonoscopy.

If you’ve had sedation, you won’t be able to drive for 24 hours, so you’ll need to arrange for someone to pick you up and take you home. You should also avoid operating machinery or making important decisions during this time.

Your doctor or endoscopy nurse will usually discuss initial findings with you before you go home, and if biopsies were taken, the results will be sent to you or discussed at a follow-up appointment.

Are there any risks involved in an endoscopy?

Endoscopies are generally very safe procedures. However, like all medical procedures, there are some potential risks, though serious complications are rare. These can include:

Perforation: A small tear in the wall of the organ being examined. This is very rare but may require surgery to repair.

Bleeding: Usually minor and stops on its own, but sometimes further treatment might be needed.

Reaction to sedation: Though uncommon, some people can have an adverse reaction to the sedative.

Infection: This is rare due to sterile equipment.

Your healthcare team will discuss all potential risks and benefits with you before the procedure.

How long will it take to get the results of my endoscopy?

If biopsies were taken, it can take a few days to a couple of weeks for the laboratory to analyse them. Your doctor will inform you of the expected timeframe for your results and how they will be communicated to you.