Endoscopy

An endoscopy is a procedure used to look inside your body [1]. A long, thin, flexible tube with a small camera and light on the end, called an endoscope, is passed in through a natural opening such as your mouth or bottom, so no cuts are usually needed [1].

A doctor may refer you for an endoscopy to help find the cause of symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, stomach pain or bleeding, to take a closer look at an area seen on another test, or to help diagnose or treat a condition [1]. A gastroscopy, for example, examines the food pipe, stomach and the first part of the small intestine [1].

The hospital will send you instructions, which often include not eating or drinking for several hours beforehand so the area being examined is empty and clear [1]. Let the team know about any medicines you take, as some may need to be adjusted before the test [1].

Depending on the type of endoscopy, you may be given a numbing throat spray or medicine to help you relax [1]. The endoscope is gently guided into place while the camera sends pictures to a screen [1]. Small tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken and some problems treated during the same procedure [1].

Many endoscopies are done as a day case, so you can usually go home the same day [1]. If you had medicine to relax you, it can stay in your system for a while, so you will need someone to take you home and should avoid driving for the rest of the day [1].

Endoscopy is generally very safe, but there are some small risks, which can include a reaction to the sedative, an infection, or, rarely, bleeding or a tear where the endoscope has passed [1]. Your team will explain the risks before the procedure [1].