Endoscopy

An endoscopy is a medical test that uses a long, thin tube to look inside your body and perform procedures. The tube is called an endoscope. 

Most endoscopes are flexible and have a light and camera attached. The camera can take pictures or videos that are sent to a video monitor.  

Endoscopes can be used for many parts of the body. A health care provider can insert them through a natural opening (like your mouth) or a small cut in your skin. 

They diagnose conditions like:

• Digestive and gastrointestinal conditions
• Swallowing problems or laryngitis 
• Arthritis, tears or dislocations
• Brain tumours
• Lung disease or infections
• Abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis, or fertility issues
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) or kidney stones

Many endoscopes also have a special channel inside where your doctor can put tiny tools. These tools can help them perform biopsies or small surgical procedures.

Health care providers can also use endoscopies to:

• Stop internal bleeding
• Drain fluid
• Remove damaged tissue or tumours
• Fix blockages or widening a narrow organ
• Place a stent

Types of endoscopy

Most common types of endoscopy:

• Colonoscopy looks at the colon.
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), also called upper endoscopy or gastroscopy looks at the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine.
• Laparoscopy looks at the abdomen or pelvis.

What you need to do to get ready for your endoscopy depends on the type you are having. Our team will give you instructions when we schedule your appointment.

To prepare, you may need to:

• Provide information like your medical history and any medicines or supplements you take.
• Follow fasting instructions, like stopping eating or drinking before the procedure.
• Bowel preparation for procedures like colonoscopies. This includes taking laxatives or having an enema to empty your bowels.
• Stop or switch certain medicines, especially blood thinners like warfarin and aspirin.
• Stop smoking and using tobacco products before the procedure.

If you are receiving sedation or anesthesia for your procedure, you must have someone drive you home. You will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the operation. We also recommend you arrange for someone to stay overnight with you at home. 

Remember, how you get ready depends on the type of endoscopy you are having. Always follow the instructions your doctor gives you.

An endoscopy typically takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the type of procedure. Most people go home the same day, but some need to stay overnight in the hospital.

You might receive local anesthetic, sedation, or, in some cases, general anesthetic.

When you arrive at the clinic:

• We will ask you to change into a hospital gown.
• A nurse will ask about your medical history. They will check your vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature.
• You will need to tell the nurse about any medications you take.
• After this, a nurse might apply local anesthetic or start an intravenous (IV). This is to give you sedation or general anesthetic. 
• Your doctor will insert an endoscope into your body until it reaches the area they want to see. Sometimes, this requires a small cut (incision). 
• Your doctor may adjust the scope to show specific organs or structures on a screen.
• Your doctor might take a biopsy or perform a treatment, if needed.
• After this, they will close any cuts with stitches or adhesive strips.

After the procedure, you will stay in the clinic for a short time to recover.

If you received sedation or anesthesia, you are required to have someone drive you home. You cannot drive for 24 hours. We recommend you have a responsible adult stay overnight with you at home. You should also not use heavy machines, sign papers, or drink alcohol until the next day.

Ask your doctor what to expect during recovery. Most side effects get better within two days. They can vary depending on the procedure and where the scope went. For example, you might feel cramps, nausea, or bloating if the scope was in your intestines. You might have a hoarse voice or a sore throat if the scope was in your throat. 

Your doctor will suggest ways to manage discomfort.

When to get help

An endoscopy is a common and safe procedure, but complications can happen. Contact your doctor if you notice:

• Signs of infection like fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, severe pain, or bleeding at the site where you had a cut 
• Black or tarry-looking stool 
• Persistent cough or coughing up blood
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain

Your results

Your doctor will tell you when to expect your results. They might discuss them with you on the same day or schedule a follow-up appointment.

The Indigenous Wellness Liaison Team is here to support your health journey. Team members offer cultural support and healthcare advocacy. Learn more below or call them at 604-682-2344 ext.62937 or email IWL@providencehealth.bc.ca