Your doctor has arranged for an ENDOSCOPY for you. This is an examination of the gastrointestinal tract using a thin flexible telescope attached to a camera and television monitor. This procedure is called a GASTROSCOPY when the scope is put through the mouth to examine the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. It is called a COLONOSCOPY when the scope is passed through the anus to examine the rectum and manipulated up the colon and all the way to the cecum where it joins the small intestines. Gastroscopy and colonoscopy allows us to detect very accurately the presence of any ulcers, polyps, cancers or other abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract. We can also take biopsies and other specimens for further testing and remove polyps if we find any present.

Endoscopy is generally a very safe procedure. There is only a very small inherent risk in any medical procedure that we do, such as intestinal perforation (1 in 2000 cases). There may be a little discomfort as air is used to inflate the intestines and the scope is passed inside. You will be given a pain killer and a sedative to help you sleep during the procedure.

For colonoscopy, we need to prepare the colon so that it will be clean enough for us to see clearly during the procedure. You SHOULD AVOID TAKING VEGETABLES, FRUITS and NUTS one day before the scope. ON THE NIGHT BEFORE THE SCOPE You are required to have your dinner @ 5-6pm. After you’ve completed the bowel preparation, You should not eat any solid food but do continue to drink lost of clear fluids or water (at least 2 litres) throughout the night. The medication should start to induce bowel movement in 30 minutes to a few hours. You may have several bowel movements throughout the night. If you experience vomiting, severe abdominal f or pain – stop the medication immediately.

Please keep yourself fasted, no food and drinks, 6 hours before the scheduled procedure time from @ 5-6pm

You will be monitored in the hospital ward until the sedation has worn off and it is safe for you to go home. It is advisable for you to be accompanied home by a responsible adult. For the next 12 hours you should not drive, operate heavy machinery, drink alcohol or look after young children.