Why an endoscopy is done
You might have an endoscopy to:
- try to find the cause of symptoms such as stomach pain, indigestion, difficulty swallowing or bleeding from your stomach, bladder or bottom
- take a small sample of cells (a biopsy) to check it for a condition, such as cancer
- treat problems, such as bleeding, or remove small growths like polyps or fibroids
Getting ready for an endoscopy
There are usually some things you need to do before having an endoscopy.
For example, you may need to:
- avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the procedure
- take certain medicines, such as laxatives or antibiotics
- stop taking certain medicines, such as blood thinning medicine like warfarin – do not stop taking any prescribed medicines without first talking to a healthcare professional
You may be sent a leaflet with information about what you need to do to prepare for an endoscopy, or a member of the hospital team may discuss it with you.
What happens during an endoscopy
Having an endoscopy may be uncomfortable.
You'll usually be awake during the procedure. You may be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area where the endoscope is inserted, or a sedative to help you relax.
During an endoscopy
During the procedure:
- The endoscope is put inside your body – depending on which part of your body is being checked, it may be inserted through your mouth, bottom, vagina or the tube that carries pee from your bladder out of your body (urethra).
- The endoscope is carefully guided to the part of your body being examined so the person doing the test can look at it – air may be gently pumped into the area to expand it and make it easier to see.
- If needed, small tools attached to the endoscope may be used to take a sample of cells for testing (a biopsy) or to remove growths like polyps or fibroids.
An endoscopy can take between 10 minutes and 1 hour. How long it takes depends on the type of endoscopy you're having and if a biopsy or treatment is needed.
After having an endoscopy
After the procedure, you'll be moved to a recovery area where you'll usually need to stay for about 1 hour.
If you had a sedative, you cannot drive for 24 hours so you'll need to arrange for someone to take you home. Someone will also need to stay with you overnight and for the first 24 hours after the procedure.
Follow any other advice you're given by hospital staff about what to do after having an endoscopy.
Types of endoscopy
There are lots of different types of endoscopy. The type you will have depends on which part of your body is being checked or treated.
| Type | How it's used |
|---|---|
|
Inserted in the mouth to check your food pipe (oesophagus), stomach, or first part of your small intestine (small bowel) |
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|
Inserted in the bottom to check your large intestine (large bowel) |
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|
Inserted in the vagina to check your cervix (the opening to your womb from your vagina) |
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Inserted through the urethra (tube through which pee passes out of the body) to check your bladder |
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Inserted into the vagina and passed through the cervix to check your womb (uterus) |
Getting your endoscopy results
After having an endoscopy, a doctor or nurse may explain your results to you before you leave hospital.
They may also give you some information and advice about what to do when you get home and who to contact if you have any problems.
If a cell sample (biopsy) was taken during the procedure, you should get a letter or a call within a few weeks with your results.
If you were referred for an endoscopy by a GP, they will also be sent a copy of your results. The GP may contact you to discuss your results.