Medical technology has advanced tremendously in recent decades, making it possible to diagnose and treat conditions with far less discomfort and risk. One such breakthrough is the endoscopy—a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to view the inside of your body using a specialised instrument called an endoscope. If you have been recommended for an endoscopy, or are simply curious about how it works, this article will walk you through the entire process, from preparation to recovery.
What Is an Endoscopy?
An endoscopy is a diagnostic medical procedure used to examine the interior surfaces of an organ or tissue without making large incisions.
The procedure is performed using an endoscope, a flexible tube with a light and camera attached to its tip. The endoscope transmits real-time images to a monitor, allowing your doctor to identify abnormalities such as inflammation, ulcers, tumours, or bleeding.
Endoscopies can be performed on various parts of the body, including:
- Upper GI endoscopy (Gastroscopy): to examine the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum
- Colonoscopy to examine the colon and rectum
- Bronchoscopy: to view the lungs and air passages
- Cystoscopy: to look inside the bladder
- Laparoscopy: to view the abdominal or pelvic organs
Each of these serves a different purpose, but the core procedure and principles remain similar.
Why Might You Need an Endoscopy?
Doctors may recommend an endoscopy for several reasons, including:
- Diagnosis: To investigate symptoms like persistent abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, or unexplained bleeding
- Biopsy: To collect tissue samples for testing, especially when cancer is suspected
- Treatment: To perform certain procedures such as removing polyps, cauterising a bleeding vessel, or widening a narrowed oesophagus
Endoscopy is a highly valuable tool because it provides immediate visual insight and allows for direct intervention.
What to Expect During an Endoscopy
An endoscopy is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. Here is a step-by-step overview:
You will arrive at the medical facility and be taken to a preparation area. A nurse may insert an IV line to administer sedatives or anaesthesia, depending on the type of endoscopy.
- Sedation: Most endoscopies involve conscious sedation—you will be awake but relaxed and may not remember much afterwards.
- Anaesthesia: In some cases, general anaesthesia is used, especially for more complex or longer procedures.
You will be asked to lie on your side or back, depending on the procedure. For an upper GI endoscopy, you will lie on your left side. For a colonoscopy, you may lie on your side or back with your knees drawn up.
- For gastroscopies, the endoscope is gently inserted through your mouth and guided down the throat.
- For colonoscopies, it is inserted through the anus and guided through the colon.
- In other types (e.g., laparoscopy), small incisions may be made to insert the scope.
The camera on the endoscope transmits images to a monitor, allowing the doctor to inspect the area in detail. If needed, tiny tools can be passed through the scope to take biopsies, remove growths, or stop bleeding.
The entire process typically takes 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the procedure. Your vital signs are monitored throughout. Once the examination is complete, the endoscope is gently withdrawn.
Recovery & Discharge
You will be taken to a recovery area where nurses monitor you until the sedative wears off—usually around 30 minutes to an hour. You may feel groggy, bloated, or slightly sore.
Because of the sedatives, you will need someone to drive or accompany you home. It is advised to rest for the remainder of the day and avoid making any important decisions.
Most people can resume their regular diet and activities within a day, although specific instructions may vary. If biopsies were taken or minor procedures were performed, you might have dietary restrictions or mild discomfort for a short period.
Why Early Detection Matters
Endoscopy plays a crucial role in the early detection and treatment of gastrointestinal conditions. Many digestive issues, including ulcers, inflammation, or cancers, begin with subtle symptoms. By the time they become more serious, treatment may be more complex.
Having access to a skilled endoscopy surgeon can make a significant difference in diagnosis and outcomes. Whether you are experiencing digestive symptoms or simply keeping up with preventive health checks, endoscopy offers peace of mind and clarity.