Upper GI endoscopy and colonoscopy

If the endoscopist (the person doing the endoscopy and colonoscopy) finds a problem, they can perform biopsies (removing small pieces of tissue) to help make the diagnosis.

Sometimes a polyp (small growth) is the cause of the problem and the endoscopist may be able to remove it during the procedure.

A barium meal is an x-ray test of your upper digestive system. Alternatives to a colonoscopy include a CT colography (a CT scan of your large bowel).

Your doctor may not be able to confirm what the problem is.

An upper GI endoscopy and colonoscopy usually takes about an hour.

The endoscopist may offer you a sedative or painkiller to help you to relax and feel more comfortable.

• An upper GI endoscopy involves placing a flexible telescope (endoscope) into the back of your throat. From here the endoscope will pass into your duodenum.
• A colonoscopy involves placing a flexible telescope into your back passage and blowing some air into your large bowel to get a clear view.

The endoscopist will be able to look for problems such as inflammation, ulcers or polyps (small growths). They will be able to perform biopsies and take photographs to help make the diagnosis. If they find a polyp, it may be possible to remove it during the procedure.

The healthcare team are trained to reduce the risk of complications.

Any risk rates given are taken from studies of people who have had this procedure. Your healthcare team may be able to tell you if the risk of a complication is higher or lower for you.

Some complications can be serious and may even cause death.

• Sore throat.
• Breathing difficulties or heart irregularities.
• Heart attack or stroke can happen if you have serious medical problems. This is rare.
• Allergic reaction to the equipment, materials or medication.
• Infection. The equipment is disinfected so the risk is low but let the endoscopist know if you have a heart abnormality or a weak immune system.
• Blurred vision.
• Making a hole in your oesophagus, stomach, duodenum or colon. The risk is higher if a polyp is removed, especially if it is a large polyp. You may need surgery which can involve forming a stoma (your bowel opening onto your skin).
• Damage to teeth or bridgework.
• Bleeding from a biopsy site or from minor damage caused by the endoscope.
• Bleeding, if a polyp is removed. This may be higher if you have multiple or large polyps removed.
• Sometimes bleeding can happen up to 2 weeks after the procedure.
• Missed polyp.
• Incomplete procedure.
• Death. This is rare.

If you were given a sedative, you will usually recover in about 2 hours but this depends on how much sedative you were given.

You may feel a bit bloated for a few hours but this will pass.

You should be able to return to work the next day unless you are told otherwise.

The healthcare team will tell you the results of the procedure and talk to you about any treatment or follow-up care you may need.

Regular exercise should improve your long-term health. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

An upper GI endoscopy and colonoscopy is usually a safe and effective way of finding out if there is a problem with your digestive system.