Gastroscopy and colonoscopy explained — preparation, the procedure itself, and recovery.
What an endoscopy is
An endoscopy uses a thin flexible tube with a camera to look directly at the lining of your digestive tract. An upper GI endoscopy (gastroscopy) examines the oesophagus, stomach and upper small bowel; a colonoscopy examines the large bowel.
Why your doctor may recommend it
- Persistent heartburn, indigestion or difficulty swallowing
- Unexplained abdominal pain or weight loss
- Vomiting blood, or black or bloody stool
- Anaemia with no obvious cause
- A change in bowel habit, or bowel cancer screening
Preparation
- Fast as instructed, usually for 6–8 hours before an upper endoscopy
- For a colonoscopy, take the bowel preparation exactly as directed the day before
- Confirm which of your regular medicines to take
- Bring someone with you if sedation is planned
During and after the procedure
Most examinations take 15 to 30 minutes. You are given sedation or a throat spray for comfort, and biopsies or polyp removal can be done at the same time. Afterwards you rest until the sedation wears off; a sore throat, mild bloating or wind is common and settles quickly. Do not drive for the rest of the day if you were sedated.
Where it is done
Our endoscopy suite performs gastroscopy, colonoscopy, proctoscopy and diagnostic laparoscopy, with biopsies processed by our own laboratory.
Speak to a doctor at BLUESCOPE
Our specialists in Kubwa, Abuja are available for consultation, with a 24/7 emergency unit, on-site laboratory, pharmacy and ICU.
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Educational information only — it does not replace a consultation with a qualified doctor.