Endoscopy 

Introduction 

Endoscopy

Find out what an endoscopy procedure is, what happens and how you can prepare yourself for it.

Is having an endoscopy painful?

In the majority of cases the answer is no.

Most people will only experience some mild discomfort similar to indigestion or having a sore throat. (An exception to this is an arthroscopy, which can be very painful, which is why it is performed under a general anaesthetic).

If you are worried then you should discuss your concerns with staff of the hospital or clinic. They may recommend that you are sedated so you are more relaxed during the procedure.

An endoscopy is a procedure where the inside of your body is examined internally using an endoscope.

Endoscope

An endoscope is a thin, long, flexible tube that has a light source and a video camera at one end. Images of the inside of your body are relayed to a television screen.

Endoscopes can be inserted into the body through a natural opening, such as through your throat or anus (the opening through which stools are passed out of the body).

Alternatively, it can be inserted through a small surgical cut made in the skin.

What happens during an endoscopy?

An endoscopy is usually carried out while a person is awake. It is not painful, but can be uncomfortable so a local anaesthetic or sedative (medication that has a calming effect) may be given to help you relax.

The endoscope is carefully inserted into your body. Exactly where it enters your body will depend on the part of the body being examined.

An endoscopy can take 15-60 minutes to carry out, depending on what it's being used for. It will usually be performed on an outpatient basis, which means you will not have to stay in hospital overnight.

Read more about how an endoscopy is performed.

Risks

An endoscopy is usually safe and the risk of complications is low (less than 1 in 100).

Possible complications of an endoscopy include an infection in the part of the body that the endoscope is used to examine and excessive bleeding.

Read more about the risks of an endoscopy.

Types of endoscopes

Some of the most commonly used types of endoscopes include:

Other types of endoscope include:

  • endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) used to check for gallstones
  • broncoscopes, used to examine your airways and lungs
  • colonoscopes, used to examine your large intestine (colon)

An endoscopy can be used to investigate if symptoms suggest there might be a problem. It can also be used to help perform some types of keyhole surgery (laparoscopic surgery) such as removing the appendix or gallbladder.

Read more about what an endoscopy is used for.

Last reviewed: 09/05/2012

Next review due: 09/05/2014

Ratings

How helpful is this page?

Average rating

Based on 184 ratings

All ratings

Add your rating

Comments

49 Comments

Our rules

Comments are personal views. Any information they give has not been checked and may not be accurate.

Chrisb84 said on 09 May 2013

I have been sent for two upper gi endoscopes one i tried without and the second with both failed and have been the worst experiences of my life. This is a horrendous procedure and I feel sorry for anybody having to have this

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

Mcw13 said on 06 May 2013

Further to my previous comment, 36 hours after my horrific endoscopy experience I woke up at 3am with severe abdominal pain like I had never felt before. I called nhs direct who sent an ambulance, and I spent the rest of the morning in A&E on a drip.

They found no internal bleeding and put it down to an 'unusual reaction' to the endoscopy. I've been in pain since, although it has much reduced, and I have not been able to eat properly. My insides are screwed, basically.

I am praying there is no long term damage as a result of this. If anyone would like to offer a medical point of view it would be very welcome, as I have confounded both the nhs and harley street!

Wishing you a much smoother experience for your endoscopy; it seems everyone reacts very differently and some have no trouble at all.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

Mojopearl said on 02 May 2013

For a month prior to the procedure I was very scared. On the day I had a resting pulse of 149, so that give an indication how frightened I was. I had the procedure done wtih a common cold. I had throat spray and sedation. The throat spray was not awful. (I was surprised). The sedation did not do that much, but calmed enough for me not to panic. I was awake I believe the whole time and the experience was quite reasonsable. It took about 5 minutes, but they took and ten minutes finding a vein for the drug to be administered. Overall discomfort was minimal. I had a lovely lady who stroked my hair the whole time! So I was a terrified person who in the end found it all acceptable. If you are nervous then go for sedation! That the best advice. The over the top reviews seem to come from those who did not have sedation.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

busymum6 said on 01 May 2013

I have had 2 endoscopy s done over the last 2 months. The first one I had only the throat spray it was horrible. I was gagging with lots of acid coming up and burning my throat. I was held down as I become very distressed. The 2nd one i had the throat spray and sedation . So much better all i can remember is been given the spray and the sedation and then I was in recovery. I can not remember the procedure . On the sheet I was given it had taken 30 mins and biopsy taken, I will have to have another one in 6 months and I will be having sedation again. I was walking about afterwards and felt fine.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

CB1950 said on 01 May 2013

DO NOT WORRY !!!
After reading some of the comments on here I went for my gastroscopy extremely nervously. I do not like the idea of having no control via sedation, but at the same time I did not want to suffer the medieval torture described by others. In the end it was agreed that I try the spray first and then go for sedation if necessary

I need not have worried. Whilst it was a bit uncomfortable at times it was minor and i had no problems with the tube going down or the biopsies. There was no gagging whatsoever and I was able to breathe perfectly normally.

So I have no concerns if more are needed.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

Mcw13 said on 27 April 2013

That. Was. Horrific.

I went for throat spray because I thought I could handle it (and was slightly cajoled into it by staff who said it would be much quicker) but all thoughts of keeping focused and relaxed went out the window when they stuck the tube down my throat.

The throat spray itself set alarm bells ringing; it felt like I couldn't swallow. The room was dark and the mechanical, medical setting made me feel a bit like an animal experiment. The endoscopist was professional but brusque and told me if I don't panic it will all be over much quicker. I don't think they were uncaring (it's in everyone's interest to get it done as quick as possible) but I think a warmer, more relaxing atmosphere could have been cultivated.

I can't describe the actual feeling of it; 'uncomfortable' doesn't really cut it. It's now about 36 hours post-procedure and it still feels like my insides have been cleaned out with a wire pipe cleaner.

I had 4 biopsies taken (not sure if this is usual) and I felt each one. It didn't hurt as such, just a slight pulling sensation. It was actually worse when they fed the metal 'pliers' down through the centre of the tube - I could feel every millimetre.

I'm not leaving this review to frighten anyone out of having it done; obviously if your doctor has referred you there's a reason for it. But reading reviews and descriptions online honestly didn't prepare me for how brutal it was - I reiterate, not that the staff were unconcerned for my wellbeing - just the pure physicality of experience was absolutely horrific. My pulse went sky high and I was limply fighting the doctor off. He went as quick as he could.

I left traumatised. I'm still quite shaken up. I think, for all their technical competence, what they don't prepare you for is the emotional trauma. It's like being brutalised, violated, and as much as your brain knows it's for your own good, your body reacts purely instinctively against the invasion.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

mmnov18 said on 17 March 2013

Well I am so glad I did not read most of these comments before I had my gastroscopy yesterday! I loathe not being in control either, have had children and fillings without any pain relief, and coped just fine. But one thing I would not like, is the gag sensation, so I opted for sedation. Why do so many people think sedation is a big deal? I was awake and alert within minutes, and went home two hours later and got on with the rest of my day as normal. It is not like a general, it is better, I don't have any recollection of the procedure, and none of the drowsiness either. Please spare yourself nightmares over gagging, and go for this option. It is by far the easiest!

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

rachie25 said on 13 March 2013

I had a gastroscopy earlier today with the throat spray and without sedation. The nurses were really lovely and i did the procedure without sedative on the advice of a nurse who said that it does not actually knock you out. You just are more chilled and forget things. Thinking that is s bit like being drunk and wanting to get things over asap i decided without sedation. I hate going to the doctors generally but dshe made me feel like i could cope.

Although there is no denying the procedure is unnatural and that i gagged all the way through it, the nurse held my hand, was reassuring and told me to try to breathe. However this (breathing) feels odd with something down your throat and trying to breathe through nose was difficult. The whole thing took about 2 or 3mins and I will admit I was a bit shaken up afterwards but having someone screening your insides with instruments is never going to be pleasant. Overall i think the waiting for the procedure is worse. Yes it is uncomfortable but necessary to diagnose and for peace of mind.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

MissCupcake said on 07 March 2013

I had an endoscopy with a biopsy done about two weeks ago. I was quite nervous especially the night before and I had decided to google the procedure as I was unsure on whether to opt for the throat spray or sedation. After looking on here I decided to go for throat spray as I didn't want to feel groggy or disorientated afterwards and I wasn't comfortable with an IV. Also as scared as I was, I would rather be in control and know what was happening instead of being sedated and only half aware of what was going on. The procedure was quite quick. It only takes about 15 minutes including the biopsies being done. The throat spray was a slightly bitter but it did numb my throat within a couple of minutes. I was given a mouth guard so that they were able to put the tube through. I didn't feel much in my mouth and I only had to swallow a little and the tube was already down in my stomach. I felt the biopsy to be slightly painful as it was a bit of a pinch to the stomach. Once the tube was pulled out, my throat did feel slightly sore and scratchy but it did go away after a couple of days. The staff were extremely supportive and I even had the nurse hold my hand as I was so terrified. I would recommend the throat spray as its quick and the numbing goes away 5/10 minutes after the procedure. Also you can go home straight after which was great and you can eat. The procedure is slightly uncomfortable but endurable. I think the worst of it is just simply the nerves before it. During the procedure I think the best thing to do is take deep slow breathes, close your eyes if it helps and just know that it will all be done and over with very quickly. If I had to go through it again, I would as it is not as bad as some people portray it on here.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

MissCupcake said on 07 March 2013

I had an endoscopy with a biopsy done about two weeks ago. I was quite nervous especially the night before and I had decided to google the procedure as I was unsure on whether to opt for the throat spray or sedation. After looking on here I decided to go for throat spray as I didn't want to feel groggy or disorientated afterwards and I wasn't comfortable with an IV. Also as scared as I was, I would rather be in control and know what was happening instead of being sedated and only half aware of what was going on. The procedure was quite quick. It only takes about 15 minutes including the biopsies being done. The throat spray was a slightly bitter but it did numb my throat within a couple of minutes. I was given a mouth guard so that they were able to put the tube through. I didn't feel much in my mouth and I only had to swallow a little and the tube was already down in my stomach. I felt the biopsy to be slightly painful as it was a bit of a pinch to the stomach. Once the tube was pulled out, my throat did feel slightly sore and scratchy but it did go away after a couple of days. The staff were extremely supportive and I even had the nurse hold my hand as I was so terrified. I would recommend the throat spray as its quick and the numbing goes away 5/10 minutes after the procedure. Also you can go home straight after which was great and you can eat. The procedure is slightly uncomfortable but endurable. I think the worst of it is just simply the nerves before it. During the procedure I think the best thing to do is take deep slow breathes, close your eyes if it helps and just know that it will all be done and over with very quickly. If I had to go through it again, I would as it is not as bad as some people portray it on here.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

jessjam2217 said on 06 March 2013

I had my first endoscopy yesterday and after reading all of the above comments I got myself really worked up. I got myself so worked up they couldnt find a vein to sedate me properly, so I was fully aware of everything that was going on!
My honest comment is that the procedure is over very quickly, the worst thing was the wretching. I am now sufferring with muscular aches today!
I had my throat sprayed 10 times and kept my eyes closed throughout the procedure. The nurses were very reassuring. I kept thinking of nice things as much as possible until the procedure was over.
Honestly the best advice is to try and relax as the procedure is so quick!

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

User744571 said on 30 January 2013

I want to add to my report that I too was frightened to ose my eyes and sleep since this procedure. I could see the doctor pushing the tube down my throat. I too had to be restrained when I was having the procedure. I have been having nightmares since and psychologically it is a horrendous experience. Surely sedation where the patient is put out properly would be the best option as the patient would be completely relaxed and the procedure can be done more safely with less trauma. The nurse had said that the sedation used was only mild and that the patient is left only a little groggy and knows what is going on. She had said that the colonoscopy was painful afterwards and she had said that gas and air was the best. I saw the other patients in pain on the bed after the procedure and this also put me off and made me very frightened and tense. Please can patients in future no matter what age they are are sedated so that they are asleep and dont know what is going on making this procedure less painful.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

User744571 said on 30 January 2013

oh god! I went to bolton hospital to have a gastroscopy and colonoscopy. 2 procedures in 1 day. I had done a faecal screening test for bowel cancer previously and the results had come back normal a few days before I was due to go for the colonoscopy. I explained this to the doctor and he said it was up to me and I did not need to have the colonoscopy as well. I had wanted to have the sedation, but I was advised by the nurse who completed there to not have sedation. She said that I could have gas and air as I did when I went through childbirth and it would not be as painful. She said that the sedation was only mild sedation and if I had the gas and air first then I would be able to have sedation afterwards should I require it. I took her advice and did not have the sedation. In fact I was confused in the end. The gastroscopy first. I had the throat spray. The tube was then inserted into my mouth, down my throat and through my oesophagus into my stomach. I could feel the tube and I was gagging all the time thinking I was going to choke and I could not do anything about it. The male nurse was very good to me and kept telling me to relax and breath deeply. I was very tense and panic stricken. I am normally brave. It was horrendous. I was gagging all the way through it and just wanted it to stop. I have never experienced anything so traumatic. I am still suffering with nightmares since the procedure. I have been upset since I came home. I would say to anyone thinking of having this done to opt for the sedation and asked to be put out and not be persuaded otherwise. I was so traumatised I could not have the colonoscopy as well. I refused to have this done at the same time as I was so traumatised. The gastroscopy test showed some inflammation. I was advised to carry on taking the omeprazole. I am still waiting to see my GP. Unless someone has been through it themselves they would not know how traumatic the procedure can be.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

Anonymous said on 21 January 2013

I went for gastroscopy recently to investigate stomach issues, and opted for the throat spray. The attending nurses, endoscopist and recovery nurses were all extremely kind, reassuring and professional, but I have to be honest and say I found the procedure traumatic. It was a quick procedure, no more than 5 minutes, as I had asked the endoscopist please to get it over with as quickly as possible, and she totally respected this - but that didn't stop me from feeling very distressed.

I retched violently all the way through and ended up sobbing in recovery. Hours later at home I still felt emotionally raw and exhausted, so I had a rest to try and get over it.

Physically I was ok - a slightly sore throat afterwards, but nothing serious. My stomach was fine too - a little delicate at first but again, nothing to worry about. I followed my dietician's advice to drink gentle herb teas and eat a light chicken soup afterwards on the day, which worked well.

I made a choice for the throat spray as I didn't want the hassle of after-effects, and I wanted to know the diagnosis quickly. Thankfully it's turned out well and everything's normal, which is a huge relief.

I would say to anyone who is perhaps of a sensitive disposition to consider sedation, and definitely to have someone with them to comfort them afterwards. Even if you don't have the sedation, take the day off, go home and rest.

Unfortunately procedures like this are unpleasant and you do have to steel yourself for them, but in the end it's far more sensible to get a proper diagnosis rather than remaining anxious about the unknown.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

MX52 said on 16 January 2013

I had my endoscopy yesterday at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, and I was terrified out of my wits. But it was an absolute breeze. I was first talked thru the process by a Healthcare Assistant, then I was taken in and given the spray, which wasn't that bad. I opted for sedation because I wanted to be completely relaxed to avoid any potential problems with panic and perforation, etc, and I really think it was the best choice because I was asleep before they even started, I didn't feel a thing, and I woke up an hour later not groggy at all. I went home for the rest of the day but could easily have gone to work. This morning I have a slight sensation of internal bruising at the top of my stomach but it is not painful. My doctor advised me to have the sedation, saying that it was better for the body to be completely relaxed and I agree. If I had to go thru the process again, I would absolutely take the sedation route.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

Scared Stiff said on 14 December 2012

Just had mine done today (at the Horton Banbury), I was completely scared of what it would be like and what they would find. I was refereed due to a stomach bleed two weeks ago.

I had the spray as I wanted to be in control, the spray to be honest is the worst part as it makes you gag a bit and makes it really hard to swallow.

The actual procedure is not painful but just uncomfortable, specially when wiggling around in your stomach.

It takes about 5 minutes, and my Nurse the aptly named "Patience" was brilliant at keeping my calm and reminding me to breath!! I did set the alarms off for high heart rate though, due to the stress of it :)

It turns out the worry was for nothing and I'm normal, well on the inside anyway :)

They take biopsies to check for the bacteria that causes ulcers, I was surprised how hard they pull, but you don't feel a thing.

At one point I let out a massive burp, if nothing else made me laugh (well laughing through the mouth piece and pipe stuck done your throat).

So in summary, yes its not a thing you will go out of you way to do, but its also routine and not as bad as you think it will be.

Sedation looked worse to me, as it is a lot more involved, I was in and out within a hour, the sedation people, would be there pretty much all day!

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

strawberryblonde54 said on 13 December 2012

I had my endoscopy yesterday. I worried about it constantly for 5 weeks. I suffer from anxiety and have panic attacks and knew that this procedure would be anightmare for me. I decided to go without sedation as I was scared of that too - in truth Im scared of nearly everything. However, the procedure was not nearly as bad as I thought it wuld be , I had the throat spray, not very nice taste but not too bad. After putting the mouth guard in the doctor gently guided the tube towards my throat and it easily entered my oesophagus, painless and only slightly uncomfortable. I could feel the tubemoving about in my stomach, but it really wasnt too scary and not at all painful. After 3-4 minutes it was over. It really was quite easy and not worth all the hours of anxiety I had over the past few weeks. The fear of it was far worse than the actual procedure. If I can do it, anyone can. Trust me.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

graham1946 said on 12 December 2012


I have just had a endosopy at Worcester,and was a little worried,but i should not have been it was very painless.I was given the mouth spray,and the tube was inserted i swallowed a few times which actually helped,After it was done the tube was withdrawn.I had a funny throat for about 20 mins,and then nothing,i was very surprised how painless the whole procedure is.Maybe i had such wonderful hospital staff doing the job.I think they all do a wonderful job in the NHS.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

JamesWaller said on 30 October 2012

I've been meaning to leave a message here a for awhile, and have just specifically created an account so I can do this. I just want people to know that this isnt a procedure worth spending any time worrying over. I was nervous before having my endoscopy earlier this year. I made the obvious mistake of reading forums about the procedure first and seeing the innevitable bad accounts that you get with anything! I also knew how strong my gag reflex is (can't brush my wisdom teeth without gagging). Nevertheless I opted for just the throat spray, and the whole procedure was quick and painless. It's all about keeping calm, realising you can breathe just the same as normal, and just relaxing. Its over so quickly. Sure its not amazingly comfortable, and yes I gagged quite a bit during it, but its no worse than your average trip to the dentist. And you've got a nurse there reassurring you constantly the whole time. Don't listen to the overly dramatic negative accounts, it truly isn't anything to waste time worrying about :)

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

DUPE AWODEU OYENAME said on 29 October 2012

Reading through your email was kind of strange and I noticed we both had the same operation under anathestic called Endoscopy which is a procedure where your internal body is examined using a tube with a camera. I requested for a mouth Spray rather than sedation as I went alone to the hospital. 

I panicked initially and I started choking and the nurse asked me to relax and breath normally and after a few seconds I will panicked and tried to breath forcefully and which causes me to choke and again they used an object to suck something from my mouth which I could not remember. I will relax again and breath for may be 30 seconds and the n I would panic and the choking will begin again. The nurses kept saying relax and breath and is only a few more minutes which look like eternity and then they said it's coming out and this took for ever for the tube to be finally out. 

The worst part is that you can not talk and I kept waving my hands frantically for them to stop and they just carried on with the procedure despite my intentions. I suppose they never knew what I was trying to say anyway and I never knew it was this painful. It probably took about 5 minutes or more and I couldn't recollect and my mouth was numbed for about 10 minutes and full of saliva and I could not talk to the nurse and just kept nodding to her. She was laughing and mimicking me and I thought I better spit the saliva out in other to chat to her. I got up and spat it out and everything came back to normal after a few minutes and I was able to communicate with her normally which was a massive relief and I left the hospital within 15 minutes by myself and Glad to be home

I felt some slight pain behind my throat at home and some slight discomfort on the left side of my tummy on the 1st nite and I took Aloe. The check indicated no major problems and I am glad it's over.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

soxonstone said on 31 August 2012

I was nervous about the endoscopy this morning, but really need not have been! Given the choice of sedation or the throat spray at The John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, I opted for the latter as I was told that I would have the gagging feeling with both. With the choice of being able to have a normal day ahead or be drowsy and unable to drive, I selected to have a normal day. The throat spray had a banana taste with a hint of antiseptic, so not exactly pleasant, but was acceptable. Having been told by the nurse that I may experience a lump like a golf ball in my throat, and the gagging feeeling as the tube went down, I experienced neither. I reached a few times when the tube was inside and it was mildly uncomfortable. What I appreciated most was the staff who talked me through the whole process. Within 30 minutes, the numbness had gone. Now at the end of the day, I have almost forgotten that 24 hours ago I was a nervous wreck.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

JadedP said on 23 August 2012

I have just returned home after endoscopy appointment Kendal Hospital. I was not given spray, they said that they would do this without. It was the first time I'd had this, and they gave me a mouthpiece which I insurted into my mouth. A consultant, a young man and a nurse were all talking at once but I managed to figure out what they wanted me to do. I was to swallow the tube. I tried and gagged. I tried again and managed to get the camera down past my voice box but started to gag again, wretching 3-4 times making me struggle for breath-the nurse seemed to then prompt the young man in there to "oxygen levels" . The procedure was stopped. I was told that I would have to make another appointment to be anaesthetised for my endoscopy, but on return to the ward I was told that I could not have the endoscopy at that hospital because of closure and would have to be referred back to my GP to see another consultant and start this process all over again! I have a sore throat, sore to touch, a sore mouth where at one point the endoscopy was pushed nearly through my cheek, and this experience has left me feeling like I've been shafted! I am sure that after waiting all day, having no food since the night before, further travel to another hosp. another consultant, I am loathe to repeat this experience again!

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

FletchLondon said on 02 August 2012

Just wanted to leave my experience for everyone as reading comments here helped me before my endoscopy today at St Mary's Sidcup. Like most, I was apprehensive about the procedure, and didn't make mind up whether to go with the throat spray or sedation until I was in the room. Actually talking face to face with the nurse put me at ease and their suggestion that it is better to go with spray if you can helped me make my mind up. Now I am one of those people who doesn't like a visit to the dentist so the thought of the endoscopy was not a good one! After the first try to get the endoscope down my throat I was determined not to have sedation and it is a case of mind over matter - I focused, and despite the fact that I cannot say I enjoyed it, the fact that I can say this to you after being able to walk out of the hospital 20 mins after the procedure made it worth while.....that and my fear of injections! I had to have a biopsy taken and that was the only time I felt anything inside my stomach, that said it was not unpleasant. As others on here have said i just focused on my breathing, once I had this under control i could focus on thinking about anything else other than what was actually happening! My focus was seeing the look on the face of my partner when i came out quickly and that they didn't need wait for 2 hours! I would suggest to anyone having to go through this that the fear of the procedure is worse than the procedure itself. The nurses were really supportive and the doctor very informative both during and after the endoscopy.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

jordalcal said on 29 July 2012

After several weeks waiting of waiting for my endoscopy appointment the day had finally arrived, I had been so nervous and petrified of what was about to happen to me but now its over im wonderig what all the fuss was about! i had the sedation and at our hospital they give the throat spray regardless, I can honestly say i didnt feel any discomfort what so ever, The last thing i recall was the nurse putting in the mouth guard and then nothing till the main lights
came back on and the nurse was telling me its all over! To anybody who is awaiting their appointment please be assured there is nothing to fear what so ever.




Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

SussexJim said on 09 July 2012

I had an Endoscopy the other day with spray (ie no sedation).

You might get the impression from some of the other comments here that it is a breeze, it isn't. Or rather, it may not be.

After today's procedure the Dr and a nurse commented that I had been a perfect patient, probably because I had been able to stifle all of my natural instincts and make it appear that I was quite unaffected by the experience. That was not the case.

Allowing someone to put a flexible pipe down your throat and position it to look at your inner parts is not natural. It took all of my will power to keep my mind on the all important breathing and to keep my brain well away from thinking about what was actually going on. The Nurse gave numerous words of comfort and reassurance throughout, without which I would almost certainly have panicked. I thought once or twice that the maneuvering of the tubing was more than a little challenging, particularly when it was operating at extremes of penetration.

I haven't written this comment with the intention of increasing reader apprehension. My two main points are that you should approach this with a realistic mental image in your mind of what is to happen and that you strongly concentrate on breathing whilst it is happening.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

christobel said on 07 July 2012

I am 65. I had a gastroscopy at St Thomas's Hospital (London) last week and opted for the numbing throat spray. All the team were really encouraging and after initial gagging and hiccoughing, the sensation was fairly minimal. However, I had my back to the screen and would have much preferred to see what was going on, although I had a blow by blow commentary from the doctor.
Tomorrow they are giving me a colonoscopy and I am just grateful that so much care is being given to me, to find out what's wrong. I have a hiatus hernia and stomach bleeding and could possibly have a laparoscopic intervention later on. If necessary, I feel keen to do this, as I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy last August at King's College Hospital (a false alarm but better safe than sorry) and was able to go shopping two days after the op and was racing up and down the Derbyshire dales with my nephew's lovely, lively dog a couple of weeks after that. Absolutely no visible scars and was in my bikini a few weeks later.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

Bolognesey said on 07 June 2012

I had my upper endoscopy earlier today, no sedation and it was a breeze! Sure, there's the horrible taste of the throat spray but I found it no worse than a shot of whiskey. The initial insertion and the inevitable gagging aren't the best but I must say, once it was past the throat, the experience wasn't too bad at all. Mild discomfort when the scope had reached its end point and a strange tug when the biopsies were taken but I'm sure there are worse things in the world. Scope coming out was simple, didn't even realise it was all over until I dared open my eyes for a look and saw the bright end light. This evening I don't feel quite right but I'm not in pain, rather just feeling hungry. For information, I'm 33, never had any medical procedures before but would say I'm quite matter of fact at dealing with things - no doubt everyone has a different experience - we share one thing though, all wanting to know what's wrong and fingers crossed for speedy recoveries.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

kdwalter said on 31 May 2012

I had an endoscopy examination done today at East Surrey Hospital - what a lot of worry about nothing!
I decided to go with just the throat spray and was glad that I did, as I felt almost nothing at all. I didn't even gag when the instrument when down my throat.
The only part that worried me at all was the feeling in the back of my throat when the spray started to work. I had a slight panic at first, but soon realised that I could still breath OK and although difficult (as I could hardly feel anything) I could still swallow. Once inside, the instrument caused me no pain at all. I could feel something in my stomach, but not even what I'd call discomfort.

Thank you to all the staff at East Surrey Hospital's Endoscopy unit - you are all angels

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

bearbear said on 30 May 2012

Had an endoscopy 2 days ago-I wouldn't volunteer to have another but it wasn't as bad as I expected. The confident caring and professional staff at Good Hope Hospital made me feel that I was in good hands. In a nutshell-its a bit uncomfortable but nothing terrible.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

rmmoo said on 18 May 2012

I had an endoscopy back in March. I have a healthcare background so wasn't particularly anxious about it but I definitely wasn't looking forward to it. I opted for sedation which was a good thing as I gagged even when they sprayed the anaesthetic on my throat! Have to say I only remember them putting the mouthguard in and then taking the scope out, apart from that nothing else about the procedure in between. Took about 45 minutes to wake up properly and I was able to manage the short walk home with my housemate (with the nurse's permission). Slept for a couple of hours on the sofa that evening (so did my housemate though) and think that may have been due in part to the hunger as I had an afternoon appointment and didn't get up in time to eat something that morning. Then you aren't allowed to eat until the local anaesthetic wears off which I think was another 2 hours after the procedure.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned though - I went to donate blood on Monday and was told I couldn't due to the endoscopy. Apparently you have to wait 6 months before you're allowed. I was lucky as I didn't have to wait long before I was seen by a nurse in the blood transfusion board but as a lot of people go to give blood in their lunch break it would be good if you were informed in the patient information sheet for the endoscopy that you can't donate for a certain time so people don't waste their time. Just a suggestion.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

GTB said on 18 May 2012

Just had an endoscopy without sedation and glad I did. Gagged briefly as the scope went down my throat, but just once and they don't hang around there.
Felt a bit uncomfortable as the scope went further down and felt briefly sick at one point, but remembered to focus on breathing.
Had a couple of polyps removed and felt them being pulled, but not painful. Soon finished and not even any gagging as the scope came out.
Advantage of no sedation? I walked out of the unit 10 minutes after the procedure and am now back home and looking forward to some food.
Its not pleasant, but certainly nothing to worry about. 5 minutes of discomfort that can put your mind at ease.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

rmmoo said on 15 March 2012

As the previous poster said, more people are likely to post bad experiences than good which is why I hope to reassure some people going for an endoscopy soon with my experience. I had an upper GI endoscopy two days ago and while I wasn't absolutely dreading it as I have a healthcare background I wasn't looking forward to it either. I opted for sedation as I have been known to gag even when brushing my wisdom teeth so I knew I wouldn't tolerate a scope going down. This was further confirmed when I gagged when they sprayed the local on the back of my throat. I can honestly say the only things I remember about the actual procedure was the mouthguard being put in my mouth at the start and the scope being pulled out at the end. Fair enough, I was already tired anyway as my appointment wasn't until the afternoon and I hadn't eaten since the night before therefore I probably feel asleep pretty easily. After the procedure they kept me for about an hour in recovery and I was able to walk the short distance home with my friend. I slept for about two hours that evening but was able to eat no problem. I'm feeling a bit of abdominal discomfort now but nothing worse than a feeling of tightening/heartburn. I understand that people can have horrendous experiences but I do believe that this are in the minority compared to the number of procedures that are performed.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

johnny be good said on 13 March 2012

If you are due to have any form of endoscopy and are worried about the procedure, I recommend that you ignore anything you read in the dozens of “endoscopy reviews” (including this one, apart from the first paragraph) which are based on individual patient experience. Instead, speak to a health professional, ring the unit that you are due to attend, ask to speak to an endoscopy nurse and discuss your issues with them. They will answer your questions based on knowledge gleaned from years of study and from seeing hundreds if not thousands of these procedures. I get the impression that people that have had bad endoscopy experiences feel compelled to write reviews, whilst people that had good experiences do not.
I recently had a colonoscopy at Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral. I was horrified when I read some of the patient experiences: “worse than childbirth”, “excruciating pain”, I was absolutely terrified. I called the endoscopy unit phone number on the bottom of my appointment form and spoke to an endoscopy nurse. He listened to my fears and explained that the vast majority of people tolerate the procedure very well. He also listed a few rare conditions that predispose to more complicated procedures.
I was not altogether reassured and turned up for my appointment in quite a nervous state
I can honestly say there was no real pain at all during any part of the procedure. Any discomfort was nothing worse than a bad case of indigestion. The sedation was light but effective and wore off rapidly afterwards. The staff on the unit were excellent, very reassuring. 90 minutes after walking into the unit I was walking out of it, all done, feeling fine.
I found the “bowel cleansing procedure” the day before a bit of a bind, but it’s ok as long as you stay close to the loo. The 2 litres of Moviprep solution had a bitter taste but was otherwise quite palatable and, contrary to other reports I have read, it did not leave me feeling dehydrated.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

Wombat1 said on 07 March 2012

I had a gastroscopy today at Norwich Hospital who were fantastic throughout. I chose not to have the sedation as the throat spray was very effective. The whole procedure was absolutely fine, a little uncomfortable at times but if you just focus on your breathing and rely on some inner strength you will be OK. I would definitely recommend going without the sedation as you will be in total control of your reactions and fully aware of what is going on. The biopsy was also totally painless. Just go for it!

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

Wombat1 said on 07 March 2012

I had a gastroscopy today at Norwich Hospital who were fantastic throughout. I chose not to have the sedation as the throat spray was very effective. The whole procedure was absolutely fine, a little uncomfortable at times but if you just focus on your breathing and rely on some inner strength you will be OK. I would definitely recommend going without the sedation as you will be in total control of your reactions and fully aware of what is going on. The biopsy was also totally painless. Just go for it!

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

rew343 said on 06 March 2012

Hi I am to have an endoscopy on Sunday and I was wondering when do you choose wither you want sedation or the spray, does anyone know?

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

LMMarzella said on 02 March 2012

I had an endoscopy today and was dreading it, especially after reading so many awful accounts. I chose sedation because I was so nervous and it did work. During the procedure I was aware of what was going on but felt calm. It was not nearly as painful as I thought. Infact, I do not recall pain just discomfort and gagging a lot. However, the nurses were fantastic and talked me thought the gagging, e.g. breath deeply now. My endoscopy took a little longer becuase I have a condition called Situs Innversus where my organs are on the wrong side of the body so it took the doctor a little longer to find what he was looking for! Even with this added pressure I did not find the experience as traumatic as some maKe out. I know that I will have to go again in the future and whilst it's not something I will look forward to I certainly will not feel as frightened. I will opt for sedation again too as it wore off after a few hours. Apart from feeling sleepy, a bit of a sore throat and minor stomach cramps I feel fine. I am just looking forward to getting the results and my health improving.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

Jasmine rose said on 02 March 2012

Just wanted to say, I have recently had a colonoscopy.I had been really worried about having this done but really there was no need at all !
Everyone at Basingstoke Hospital was lovely and kind and friendly . The procedure was no problem at all. Helped along by the fantastic doctors and nurses I was totally made to feel at ease - I was also worried that it was all going to be very undignified but all was so discrete,it really wasn't at all.
I had the sedative to help and felt no pain at all, I was able to watch on screen which was very interesting and we chatted through out which hurried things along. In no time at all I was in recovery, where I had a very enjoyable cup
of coffee and a biscuit . I went home shortly after and although a bit tired, I felt fine and my usual self.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

EmmaB87 said on 27 February 2012

I am a 24 year old patient who had an endoscopy last friday at Darent Valley Hospital. I too was nervous following comments left on here. However, the endoscopy was completely fine and I had no side effects whatsoever. I opted not to have the sedation, just the throat spray, which meant I could leave half an hour after the procedure, and I did not have a sore throat afterwards. Also, the throat spray was banana flavoured, so that was a bonus!! Having a numb throat does feel a little strange but the spray wears off pretty quickly afterwards. With sedation you have to stay in the hospital for up to two hours afterwards to allow the affects of the medication to wear off and have to be accompanied for 24 hours following the procedure. The staff were very friendly, they explained the entire procedure beforehand and were reassuring throughout. The endoscope did make me swallow and gag a few times, but the main thing was to focus on breathing through your nose and to not think about what was happening. The whole thing lasted approximately 5 minutes and I was diagnosed there and then. Given that I have been suffering with stomach pain since April 2011, this was a massive relief! They also discuss your diagnosis afterwards and recommend follow up treatment.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

Scott Lewis said on 18 February 2012

I had an OGD gastroscopy without sedation at the Cottage Hospital in Epsom just yesterday and wanted to list my refections here along with everyone else. Like many folk I had read some of the alarming comments on this site and immediately felt a hundred times worse about the whole thing. That was a mistake on my part - the reality of the procedure was nowhere near as traumatic as I'd envisaged. For one thing, the staff were incredibly kind and caring. They fully understood my trepidation and did everything possible to put me at ease. In a very short space of time I trusted these people and felt more condfident. Secondly the spray they use to numb the throat really is powerful stuff. It's the same drug that is injected into your jaw at the dentists. I didn't feel anything at all when the tube (which is fairly thin) was gently laid on my tongue and fed down in short stages. I was asked to swallow a few times to help it along. Not at any point did it feel like I had something stuck in my throat. The throat spray completely deadened the whole area. There was no impairment to breathing either - I breathed through my nose normally and without strain. In total the tube was inside me for about 3-4 minutes. Admittedly at some points things became uncomfortable, but the doctors warn you when this is about to happen so you are ready for it. Please believe me though, any discomfort is fleeting and the whole thing is carried out as quickly as possible. All in all I was incredibly impressed by how fast and efficiently the staff worked. Would I have it done again? If I absolutely had to - yes. I might not look forward to it, but the peace of mind it gave me after 6 months or so of gastric pain was more than worth it. Don't spend any time worrying about this procedure, most of the anguish associated with it is in the build-up, thinking about it - not in the reality of the procedure itself.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

Basingstoke patient said on 11 February 2012

I had an endoscopy a couple of days ago, followed by a colonoscopy, at the Basingstoke DTC, every member of staff I met, was fantastic. They were not rushed, were understanding and extremely professional. I had a sedative, I barely knew the endoscopy was taking place. Colonoscopy a bit uncomfortable at times, but staff were very supportive and made sure I was okay, all the way through it. I had read previous comments before I went in, and was concerned how bad it was going to be.
I wanted to balance out the comments. I would have it done again, if needed, and like to reassure others. It is not always horrific.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

LynnyBee said on 22 January 2012

I too had endoscopy with sedation this week and it was the most harrowing, horrendous experience i have ever been through and i have been through labour, multiple loses, broken bones and a laproscopy , septacemia amongst a few.....Biopsy was taken ( excruciating) and the pain from the whole procedure was immence. 4 people held me down and my eyes are left so sore and bloodshot from the pressure of pain and wretching that i look like i'm haemorraging. I have been in continuos pain ever since. I didn't sleep until 4am the following morning for the sheer fear of the visions i was seeing every time i shut my eyes and am still very disturbed. I agree with 'azintom'.... you should be given General Anethestic for this procedure its inhumane and barbaric as for "the sedative will make you forget" i remember it too clearly.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

Enda13 said on 18 January 2012

I had an endoscopy today without sedation and had no problems with the procedure. I had been concerned about not having sedation but was reassured by the hospital staff that if I were to find things too uncomfortable during the procedure sedation could be arranged. The whole experience only lasted for about five minutes in a calming atmosphere. The doctor explained what was happening throughout. I simply took deep breaths and concentrated on remaining calm and can honestly report that I only experienced a little discomfort. Afterwards I didn't even have the expected sore throat.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

sweetpie said on 31 December 2011

I had an endoscopy two days ago, I am still having nightmares about the experience. I had no sedation only throat spray, I too wretched all the way through. My body still aches from wretching so much. I have a high pain threshold but this wasn't pain it was something much worse. Anybody reading this have the sedation.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

RachelNRD said on 05 December 2011

Having read some of the comments on here I was very nervous about my gastronomy last week. However - my worries were in vain! Staff could not have been more reassuring and after some discussion, I decided to go with the sedation offered. I felt only a little discomfort when the needle went in, followed by nothing until it was all over and I went back to the waiting area for half an hour. I had expected to feel uncomforatble for the rest of the day and reluctant to eat, but at teatime I was tucking into my meal as usual. I hope this reassures others.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

azintom said on 07 November 2011

I recently had to have an endosopy to see what was going on in my colon.I asked to be put out as was told that I could not and that I would be given a sedative which will make be relax .. It had no effect whatsoever and I was given Buscopan to help with the pain.The pain I experienced was horrendous and I had three nurses holding me down and pressing against my staomache so the procedure could continue. I have a high tolerence of pain have had 3 children undergone major surgery and recovered from cancer, but this procedure was the most horrific pain eexperience of my life .Surely in the guidelines need to be addressed and with some urgency.I found the whole experience barbaric and inhumane! Sorry to those who read this , but felt I had to let others know of this traumatic experience.Yours may be ok- well I hope so .

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

truebut anon said on 02 October 2011

I had an endoscopy a couple of years ago. Entry was through the penis. No sedation. Very slight initial unpleasant sensation but nothing else. No problem. I'm sorry that previous contributors have had unfortunate experiences but I must speak for the positve side. It was good to know that all was well with me.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

taylor a said on 27 July 2011

i had my endoscopy today and after googling was terrified. due to circumstances i had to opt for no sedation. the doctor was very good at explaining and reassuring me although i would be in discomfort i would be safe. i am normally a panicker but i managed to remain calm and focus on my breathing an remind myself i was in safe hands and it would be over soon. i had throat spray and when the camera went in i was fine, no gagging or pain. yes i was uncomfortable and felt slight pain when it was in my stomach an through to intestine, a really strange sensation. but all in all it wasnt a bad experience. i feel if i had been sedated and not fully aware i probably would have panicked more . and i`ve learned googling probably isn`t a good idea.

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

lynn prescott said on 22 July 2011

i had an endoscopy today with sedation, it did absolutely nothing, i felt the tube going down and wretched all the way through, it was horrible, i recommend to be out of it if anyone is having it done, never again!!!!

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

Useful links

NHS Choices links

Screening and testing

Information about the various screening and testing health checks you may undergo throughout your life

Find and choose services for Endoscopy

Looking for other services? View services A-Z

  • Link to gov.uk – The new place to find government services and information
  • The Information Standard - Certified member