Preparing for an Endoscopy or Colonoscopy

If your doctor has recommended an endoscopy or colonoscopy to look more closely at your digestive system, it is natural to have questions about how to prepare and what the day will involve. While your care team will give you specific instructions, here is a general overview of what these procedures usually involve.

What these procedures involve

An upper endoscopy uses a thin, flexible camera passed through the mouth to examine the food pipe, stomach and upper part of the small intestine. A colonoscopy uses a similar camera passed through the rectum to examine the large intestine. Both are commonly done as day-care procedures, often with sedation to keep you comfortable throughout.

Preparing for an upper endoscopy

For an upper endoscopy, you will usually be asked to fast for several hours beforehand, typically avoiding food and liquids from the night before, so that the stomach is empty for a clear view. It is important to inform your doctor about any medicines you take regularly, especially blood thinners, as some may need to be adjusted beforehand.

Preparing for a colonoscopy

A colonoscopy requires more thorough preparation, since the bowel needs to be completely clear for an accurate examination. This usually involves following a special diet for a day or two before the procedure and taking a prescribed bowel-cleansing solution as instructed. Following these instructions carefully is important, as an incompletely prepared bowel can affect the quality of the examination and may require it to be repeated.

• Follow the fasting or dietary instructions exactly as given
• Inform your doctor about all medicines, including blood thinners and supplements
• Arrange for someone to accompany you, as sedation affects alertness afterward
• Avoid driving or operating machinery for the rest of the day after the procedure

On the day of the procedure

You will usually be asked to arrive a little early for registration and a brief check before the procedure. If sedation is used, a member of the team will monitor you throughout. The procedure itself is generally brief, though timing can vary depending on what is found and whether any samples are taken during the examination.

After the procedure

Since sedation can leave you feeling drowsy, it is advisable to rest for the remainder of the day and avoid important decisions or activities that need full alertness. Mild bloating or a sore throat after an upper endoscopy, or mild cramping after a colonoscopy, are common and usually settle on their own. Your doctor will discuss the findings with you, either immediately or once any samples taken have been analysed.

When to seek help afterward

While complications are uncommon, contact your care team if you notice severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, black stools, or fever after the procedure. Being aware of these signs, and following preparation instructions carefully beforehand, helps make the entire process smoother and more informative.