Endoscopy and Colonoscopy Guide: Frequently Asked Questions
Protecting your digestive health begins with expert examination while symptoms are still in their early stages. Gastroscopy (upper endoscopy) and colonoscopy are life-saving procedures with both diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities.
What Are Endoscopy and Colonoscopy?
- Endoscopy (Gastroscopy): Examines the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera at its tip.
- Colonoscopy: Examines the large intestine (colon) and the terminal part of the small intestine in detail with a camera.
Who Should Have It?
These procedures are performed not only for symptomatic patients but also as preventive medicine for healthy individuals:
- Symptomatic Patients: For stomach pain, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, chronic constipation/diarrhea, rectal bleeding, or unexplained weight loss.
- Cancer Screening: Even without symptoms, colonoscopy is recommended for everyone aged 45 and over as a bowel cancer screening procedure.
- Biopsy and Polyp Removal: Suspicious areas can be biopsied and precancerous polyps can be removed during the procedure without surgery.
Preparation, Anesthesia and Procedure Duration
Preparation
- For Endoscopy: Fasting for approximately 8 hours before the procedure is sufficient.
- For Colonoscopy: A 1–2 day liquid diet plus bowel preparation medication prescribed by your doctor is required.
The Procedure
Patient comfort is our top priority:
- Sedation Anesthesia: Both procedures are performed under sedation with an anesthesiologist present. The patient feels no pain or discomfort.
- Duration: Gastroscopy typically takes 5–10 minutes; colonoscopy takes 15–20 minutes.
- Both in One Session: When needed, both endoscopy and colonoscopy can be completed under the same anesthesia in approximately 30 minutes.
Recovery
Patients recover quickly once the sedation wears off. Normal eating can usually resume about 30–60 minutes after the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is endoscopy or colonoscopy risky?
When performed by experienced hands with modern equipment, the risk is minimal. Sedation makes the procedure safe and comfortable.
Can both procedures be done at the same time?
Yes. Both gastroscopy and colonoscopy can be performed consecutively while the patient is under sedation.
Does biopsy mean something is wrong?
No. Biopsy is routinely performed to determine the type of simple gastritis or to understand the nature of an intestinal finding.
Endoscopy and Colonoscopy Prices in Antalya
Prices vary depending on the hospital equipment and whether any interventional procedures such as polyp removal are performed. For current pricing and appointments, contact us.