Endoscopyis a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure that allows doctors to look inside the body using a flexible tube equipped with a tiny camera and light source. Unlike traditional surgery, it does not require large incisions most procedures are performed through natural openings such as the mouth or rectum.
Endoscopy helps physicians diagnose and treat a wide range of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, including ulcers, inflammation, bleeding, and early stages of cancer. By directly visualizing the digestive tract, the physician can take biopsies, remove small polyps, and even treat certain bleeding lesions all in one session.
Common reasons for scheduling an endoscopy include:
- Unexplained abdominal pain or persistent nausea
- Difficulty swallowing or chronic heartburn
- Rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits
- Screening for colon cancer, especially after age 45
- Monitoring previously diagnosed GI disorders
At Shenandoah Valley Surgical Associates (SVSA) in Fishersville, Virginia, endoscopy is performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home the same day. This convenience, combined with advanced technology and experienced specialists, makes endoscopy one of the safest and most informative diagnostic tools available today.
The Difference Between Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy
Endoscopy is a broad term it covers several types of procedures depending on which part of the digestive tract needs examination.
Gastroscopy (also known as upper endoscopy or EGD) focuses on the upper portion of the GI tract:
- The esophagus, where swallowing difficulties or acid reflux are evaluated.
- The stomach, to check for ulcers, gastritis, or Helicobacter pylori infection.
- The duodenum, the first part of the small intestine, where early signs of celiac disease or bleeding may appear.
In contrast, colonoscopy examines the colon and rectum, helping detect and prevent colorectal cancer by identifying precancerous polyps. Colonoscopy is typically recommended as a routine screening tool starting at age 45, or earlier if there is a family history of colorectal disease.
Although both procedures use similar technology a slender, flexible camera tube they differ in preparation, duration, and purpose.
| Type of Endoscopy | Purpose | Preparation | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gastroscopy | Esophagus and stomach evaluation | No food for 8 hours before procedure | 10–15 minutes |
| Colonoscopy | Examination of the large intestine | Low-fiber diet + bowel cleansing | 30–45 minutes |
Patients often undergo these tests at SVSA in Fishersville, where both upper and lower GI procedures are performed in a modern outpatient environment, ensuring comfort, privacy, and safety throughout the process.
How to Prepare for the Endoscopy Procedure
Proper preparation is the key to a safe, accurate, and comfortable endoscopy experience. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions based on the type of procedure you are having gastroscopy or colonoscopy but several general guidelines apply to both.
Fasting and Diet Adjustments
For most upper endoscopies, you’ll need to avoid food and drink for at least 8 hours before your appointment. This ensures that the stomach is empty, allowing a clear view of the esophagus and stomach lining. Even small amounts of food or liquid can obscure the camera or increase the risk of aspiration during sedation.
If you’re preparing for a colonoscopy, you’ll follow a low-fiber or clear-liquid diet for one to two days before the exam. Foods like whole grains, seeds, and raw vegetables are temporarily avoided to prevent residue from remaining in the colon. Clear liquids such as water, broth, apple juice, or tea without milk are encouraged to stay hydrated.
Bowel Cleansing (for Colonoscopy)
The bowel must be completely clear to allow the physician to detect even small polyps or lesions. You’ll be instructed to take a prescribed laxative solution the evening before the procedure. The process may feel inconvenient, but it’s essential for an accurate examination. Newer preparation formulas are easier to tolerate and often require smaller volumes of fluid.
Medication Management
Certain medications, including blood thinners, iron supplements, and diabetes treatments, may need temporary adjustment. Always inform your doctor about all prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements you take. Never stop a medication without medical guidance your provider will help you modify or time doses appropriately.
Transportation and Support
Endoscopy is typically performed under sedation, meaning you will feel relaxed and drowsy. Since driving afterward is unsafe, it’s best to arrange for someone to take you home. Most patients recover fully within a few hours and can resume light activities later the same day.
Endoscopy Preparation in 24 Hours – Step by Step
While we can’t show the graphic here, below is a simplified version of what the timeline looks like:
| Time Before Procedure | What To Do |
|---|---|
| 24 hours before | Switch to clear-liquid diet; avoid solid foods and alcohol |
| 12 hours before | Stop eating; continue drinking clear fluids only |
| 6 hours before | Begin fasting completely — no food or drink |
| 4 hours before | Take only essential medications with a sip of water, if approved |
| 1–2 hours before | Arrive at the outpatient center; review consent and medical history |
This preparation routine ensures your digestive tract is ready for examination, minimizing risks and helping your physician obtain the most accurate results.
What Happens During the Endoscopy
Many patients feel nervous before their first endoscopy, but the procedure itself is usually quick, comfortable, and performed under careful supervision by trained specialists.
Arrival and Sedation
Upon arrival, a nurse will review your medical history and place a small IV line for sedation. You’ll receive medications that make you relaxed and sleepy most patients do not remember the procedure afterward. In some cases, only mild sedation or local anesthesia is used, depending on your health and personal preference.
The Procedure
Once you’re comfortable, the doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope through the mouth (for gastroscopy) or the rectum (for colonoscopy). The camera transmits real-time images to a monitor, allowing the physician to examine the lining of the digestive tract carefully.
If necessary, small instruments can be passed through the scope to:
- Take biopsies (tiny tissue samples for lab analysis)
- Remove polyps or abnormal growths
- Stop minor bleeding or cauterize small vessels
Throughout the process, your vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen are continuously monitored for safety.
Recovery
After the procedure, you’ll rest in a recovery area for about 30–60 minutes while the sedation wears off. Mild bloating, gas, or a sore throat (after gastroscopy) may occur but usually disappear within a few hours. You’ll receive post-procedure instructions, including when to resume eating and taking your regular medications.
Because endoscopy is done in an outpatient setting, hospitalization is rarely required. Most patients return home the same day and resume normal routines shortly thereafter.
Myths About Discomfort and Anesthesia
Endoscopy has a long-standing reputation for being uncomfortable, but this perception is largely outdated. Modern techniques and medications have made the procedure nearly painless for most patients. Let’s address some of the most common misconceptions:
Myth 1: Endoscopy is painful
In reality, the majority of patients feel little to no pain. Sedation or light anesthesia keeps you relaxed and unaware of the procedure. At most, you may experience mild bloating or a temporary sore throat afterward, but these effects fade quickly.
Myth 2: You’ll be completely unconscious
Endoscopy sedation is usually conscious sedation, meaning you’re deeply relaxed but can still respond to verbal cues. General anesthesia, which renders you fully asleep, is rarely necessary and typically reserved for complex cases or patients with specific medical needs.
Myth 3: Recovery takes days
Unlike surgical operations, endoscopy is an outpatient procedure. Most people rest for an hour or two after the test and then go home the same day. By the next morning, patients can eat normally and return to their routine.
Myth 4: It’s only for diagnosing cancer
Endoscopy does much more than detect cancer. It’s used for diagnosing ulcers, reflux disease, polyps, celiac disease, and many other conditions. In fact, early detection through regular screening often prevents serious illness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is endoscopy painful?
No. Most patients experience only mild pressure or bloating. Sedation ensures you’re comfortable throughout the procedure.
Can I take my regular medications before the test?
Usually yes, but it depends on the type of medication. Blood thinners, diabetes drugs, and iron supplements may require adjustments. Always discuss your medications with your doctor beforehand.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery from sedation typically takes 30–60 minutes. You’ll be able to walk and go home soon after. Avoid driving or operating machinery for the rest of the day.
How often should I get a colonoscopy?
For most adults, a colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years starting at age 45. However, those with a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors may need it more often.
When can I eat after the procedure?
Usually, you can begin drinking clear fluids within an hour and resume light meals later the same day, unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
Find Out If You Need an Endoscopy
If you’ve been experiencing persistent digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain, reflux, or changes in bowel habits an endoscopy can provide valuable answers. Modern outpatient facilities make it easy, safe, and efficient.
Author:
Dr. William L. Faulkenberry II, MD, FACS
