Endoscopy procedures for the digestive system—upper endoscopy and colonoscopy—are similar in that they require preparation and are usually performed while the person is sedated. They are useful for viewing different parts of the digestive system and helping to diagnose any conditions found there.

These are often outpatient, same-day procedures. Sometimes both are performed on the same day. This reduces the patient’s time for preparation and recovery and can also reduce costs.

The differences of endoscopy versus colonoscopy

“Endoscopy” is a term that refers to several different types of tests used to see inside the body. Two that are used to understand digestive conditions include upper endoscopy (also called a esophagogastroduodenoscopy or ECG) and colonoscopy.

A upper endoscopy looks at esophagus (food tube), stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). A colonoscopy looks at the lower digestive system, including the rectum, large intestine, and part of the small intestine called the terminal ileum.

Depending on their symptoms, people may need one or both of these procedures. They are used to diagnose conditions in various parts of the digestive tract.

Conditions diagnosed from procedures

An upper endoscopy can be used to diagnose or rule out various conditions. It is either used alone or with other tests that provide additional information about the upper digestive system.

An upper endoscopy may also be used to follow up on an already diagnosed condition or, in some cases, to provide treatment.

Some of the conditions or problems that could be monitored or diagnosed with an endoscopy are:

A colonoscopy is used to search for affecting conditions rectum and large intestine. It is also used to remove polyps (abnormal growths found on the inner walls of the colon), which can be a precursor to colon and rectal cancer.

Some of the digestive conditions that could be diagnosed, managed or monitored with a colonoscopy are:

Preparation and Procedure

The digestive system needs to be clear of food and/or stool to get a good picture of what’s going on inside. A healthcare provider will provide instructions about preparing for an endoscopy or colonoscopy.

Upper endoscopy

For an upper endoscopy, preparation may include fasting (not eating or drinking). The fast could begin at midnight the night before the procedure or a few hours before the appointment time.

An upper endoscopy is usually done under anesthesia, which means you will either be completely unconscious or sleepy from the medication. If this is the case, you will need to arrange a ride home with a reliable driver. It is not safe to drive because you may be confused and drowsy after anesthesia.

Colonoscopy

The preparation before a colonoscopy will most likely include both fasting (not eating) and using medication to clear the colon of stool. Methods vary depending on the reason for the colonoscopy, any other health conditions present, cost, and healthcare provider preference.

Starting a week before the procedure, you may be asked to stop certain medications and avoid certain types of food (such as high-fiber foods or foods with seeds). The post or pursuit of clear liquid diet it usually starts the day before the procedure, but for some people, it can start earlier.

A colonoscopy is almost always done under anesthesia. Because you won’t be allowed to drive home after a colonoscopy, you’ll need a ride home from a friend or family member.

You may also need to stop certain medications for a period of time before either an upper endoscopy or a colonoscopy. Some medications could increase the risk of bleeding, and other medications or supplements could prevent a provider from seeing the digestive system clearly.

Medicines that may need to be stopped or the dose changed may include:

Pain and degree of intrusion

Both an upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy are invasive procedures. They involve the introduction of specialized instruments or tools the digestive systemeither by mouth or anus.

Upper endoscopy and colonoscopy are usually done while the person is sedativeso there is no discomfort or pain and no (or minimal) memory of the procedure.

It is important to ask questions of healthcare providers to understand how these procedures are performed and what to expect. Some people may find the thought of having these procedures challenging. It is essential to inform your healthcare provider of any doubts or concerns, as solutions are available.

BENEFITS

The benefits of an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy is that it can give your healthcare provider a better understanding of what might be causing your symptoms and help them diagnose and treat the condition.

With colonoscopy, any polyps found are often removed and examined in a laboratory to rule out cancer. Removing polyps before they become cancerous is one way to prevent colon cancer.

Although these procedures are intrusive and take time away from work, school or family, they are important in the diagnosis, management, treatment and prevention of digestive diseases and conditions.

risks

Serious problems after these procedures are rare. Minor problems are usually treatable or, in some cases, may stop on their own without any special treatment except watchful waiting.

Potential risks of an upper endoscopy or a colonoscopy may include:

• Abdominal pain (with colonoscopy)
• Bleeding in the digestive system
• Causing a hole (perforation) in the upper digestive tract
• Having a bad reaction to sedative drugs

Reasons to do endoscopy and colonoscopy at the same time

You may need both an upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy to determine what may be causing your digestive system symptoms. These procedures take time because they require preparation and recovery. Having them on different days only multiplies these disadvantages.

An upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy can be done on the same day. This may be preferable to reduce time away from daily activities. In addition, performing two procedures on the same day means less sedation and pre-testing (such as blood draws) is required, which can mean fewer complications.

It could also be more cost-effective. Costs to cover both the use of the facility and the healthcare team may be lower if both procedures are performed on the same day.

Discharge and aftercare instructions

Discharge and aftercare instructions for an upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy will be similar. Both procedures involve intravenous (IV) sedation, and the person will need assistance getting home and settling after the procedure.

Upper endoscopy

After an upper endoscopy, you will stay at the facility where the procedure is performed until you are ready to be discharged. A health care provider will monitor your vital signs (pulse, temperature, and blood pressure). In about an hour, you may be able to get dressed and take a ride home.

Some people may have abdominal bloating, a sore throat, or nausea after an upper endoscopy. They usually only last a short time and go away on their own.

If there are complications (which are not common), you may need to stay longer in the unit or even overnight in hospital. Most people will be discharged into the care of a friend or relative and go home to rest and recover for the rest of the day.

Colonoscopy

After a colonoscopy, you will be taken to a recovery area to wake up from anesthesia. Some people may feel the urge to pass gas from the bottom. There may be bloating or some cramping, and a healthcare provider will monitor vital signs and watch for any side effects.

After both procedures, a healthcare provider can share some results right away. More detailed results, such as those from a biopsy, will be available in the coming days or weeks.

After either or both of these procedures, most people can return to their usual activities the next day.

A health care provider will provide a printout of any symptoms to watch for and contact information about who to talk to if there are new signs or symptoms. You may also need to schedule a follow-up appointment with a healthcare provider to review the results.

Next steps after the results

What happens next after an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy will depend on the results of these tests. These procedures can lead to a diagnosis of a condition and a treatment plan. You may need to see a healthcare provider on an ongoing basis to understand the condition and manage it properly.

If everything seems normal or nothing remarkable is found, you may need more tests to understand what is causing your symptoms. The tests needed will largely be based on what is found during the endoscopy.

In most cases, endoscopy procedures will not need to be repeated for several months or years, unless they cannot be completed for some reason.

Talk to your healthcare provider about any questions or concerns you have about the results or next steps after endoscopy procedures.

Summary

An upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy are similar procedures that are performed to examine each end of the digestive tract. The preparation includes fasting and may also include the administration of laxatives to clear the digestive system of stool.

Most of the time, these procedures are done under anesthesia, so the person is sedated or unconscious and does not feel any discomfort. Serious complications are rare and most people are back to normal activities in a day or so.

A healthcare provider will provide some results either immediately after the procedure or within a few days to make a diagnosis and decide on any next steps.