Endoscopy

Most endoscopic procedures are performed with conscious sedation or light anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. While some mild discomfort may occur, patients typically report minimal pain. The sedation helps you relax and may cause you to have little or no memory of the procedure. Our experienced team prioritizes patient comfort and uses the latest techniques to minimize any discomfort during the examination.

Preparation varies depending on the type of endoscopy. For upper endoscopy (gastroscopy), you'll typically need to fast for 8-12 hours before the procedure. For colonoscopy, you'll need to follow a clear liquid diet and take bowel preparation medication as directed, usually starting 1-3 days before. Your doctor will provide specific preparation instructions based on your procedure. Proper preparation is crucial for a safe and effective examination.

Upper endoscopy (EGD) involves passing a thin, flexible tube with a camera through your mouth to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine. The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes. You'll receive sedation to ensure comfort, and a mouth guard protects your teeth and the endoscope. The doctor can take tissue samples or perform treatments if needed. Most patients have no memory of the procedure and can go home the same day after a brief recovery period.

Colonoscopy typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on findings and whether polyps need removal. A flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the rectum to examine the entire colon. You'll receive sedation for comfort and have no memory of the procedure. The doctor can remove polyps, take biopsies, or treat bleeding during the examination. Recovery takes 1-2 hours, and you'll need someone to drive you home due to sedation effects.

Average-risk individuals should begin colonoscopy screening at age 45 (recently lowered from 50). Those with family history of colorectal cancer should start screening 10 years before the age when their relative was diagnosed, or at age 45, whichever is earlier. High-risk individuals (IBD, genetic syndromes) may need earlier and more frequent screening. If initial colonoscopy is normal, repeat screening is typically recommended every 10 years for average-risk patients.

Polyps are small growths on the colon lining, very common as people age. Most polyps are benign (adenomatous polyps), but some can develop into cancer over time. Removing polyps during colonoscopy prevents cancer development. Hyperplastic polyps are usually harmless, while adenomatous polyps require surveillance. The number, size, and type of polyps determine follow-up recommendations. Finding and removing polyps is one of the key benefits of colonoscopy screening for cancer prevention.

Yes, several alternatives exist including CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy), FIT (fecal immunochemical test), stool DNA tests (Cologuard), and flexible sigmoidoscopy. However, traditional colonoscopy remains the gold standard because it can detect and remove polyps in one procedure. Alternative tests may require colonoscopy if abnormalities are found. Your doctor will discuss the best screening option based on your risk factors, preferences, and medical history.

After upper endoscopy, you can usually eat normally once the sedation wears off and your gag reflex returns (typically 1-2 hours). Start with soft foods and avoid very hot items initially. After colonoscopy, you can resume your normal diet immediately, though you may feel bloated from air used during the procedure. If biopsies were taken or polyps removed, your doctor may recommend avoiding certain foods or medications for a few days.

Endoscopy is generally very safe, with serious complications occurring in less than 1% of procedures. Risks include bleeding (especially after polyp removal), perforation (tear in intestinal wall), adverse reaction to sedation, and aspiration. Signs to watch for include severe abdominal pain, significant bleeding, fever, or difficulty swallowing after upper endoscopy. Most patients experience only mild bloating or sore throat. The benefits of diagnosis and cancer prevention far outweigh the small risks for most patients.

Endoscopy is highly accurate for detecting gastrointestinal cancers and precancerous conditions. Colonoscopy can detect over 95% of colon cancers and prevents cancer by removing precancerous polyps. Upper endoscopy effectively detects esophageal and stomach cancers, especially when symptoms are present. The accuracy depends on proper preparation, complete examination, and operator experience. High-definition endoscopes and advanced imaging techniques continue to improve detection rates for early cancers and subtle abnormalities.