What is an endoscopy?

An endoscopy is a procedure that gives your doctor a direct view of your body's internal organs. This can help diagnose and treat some conditions.

An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a light and a camera at the tip. It is passed into your body through a natural opening, such as your mouth, or a small cut in your skin. Using endoscopy, the doctor can see images of your internal organs on a screen.

Types of endoscopy

There are many types of endoscopy that help doctors see inside parts of your body, such as:

• gastroscopy — through your mouth to see your stomach and oesophagus
• colonoscopy — through your anus to see your large bowel (colon)
• bronchoscopy — through your mouth or nose to see your airways and lungs
• cystoscopy — through your urethra to see your bladder
• hysteroscopy — through your vagina and cervix to see your uterus
• arthroscopy — through your skin into your joint (such as your knee, shoulder, ankle or hip)
• laparoscopy — through your abdominal skin to see inside your abdomen and pelvis

You could also have a capsule endoscopy. This involves swallowing a capsule, about the size of a large vitamin tablet, that contains a small camera and light. The camera sends images of your digestive system to the doctor.

What are the benefits of an endoscopy?

An endoscopy can help your doctor directly see any signs of disease or change in your organs. Endoscopy can also be combined with other imaging, such as ultrasound. Your doctor may also take a sample (biopsy) or treat other issues during your endoscopy.

Having treatment during the endoscopy may mean you do not have to return for another procedure.

What does an endoscopy involve?

Before your endoscopy, you will be asked to sign a form to confirm your consent for the procedure and sedation.

Before the procedure starts, you might be given an anaesthetic or sedation to help you relax and keep you comfortable. You probably won't remember the procedure.

The doctor will carefully insert the endoscope to examine the area of concern. You might have a sample (biopsy) taken. You might have some damaged tissue removed.

If the procedure involves any incisions (cuts), these will usually be closed with sutures (stitches).

How can I prepare myself for an endoscopy?

An endoscopy is usually not painful, but your doctor might give you a light sedative or anaesthetic. Because of this, you should arrange for someone to take you home afterwards.

You will need to avoid eating and drinking for several hours before an endoscopy. Your doctor will tell you how long you will need to fast before your procedure.

If you are having a colonoscopy, you will need to do a bowel preparation. Your doctor will give you detailed information about what you need to do.

How soon will I recover?

Your health team will monitor you in the recovery area until the effects of the anaesthetic or sedative have worn off. If you have pain, you may be given medicine for pain relief.

Usually you will return to your normal activities within 1 to 2 days and may want to take a day off work after the procedure.

Your doctor may tell you about your endoscopy results and make a follow-up appointment. You should visit your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, such as fever, severe pain or bleeding, or if you are concerned.

What complications can happen?

Every medical procedure has some risks. Endoscopies are generally safe, but there is a chance of:

• side effects of sedation
• bleeding
• infections
• tearing or piercing a hole in the area examined

Are there alternatives to an endoscopy?

There may be other imaging tests you can do instead of an endoscopy. This depends on why you are having the endoscopy and what type of endoscopy it is. Speak to your doctor about possible alternatives.

What will happen if I decide not to have the procedure or it is delayed?

It is important to discuss with your doctor how soon you should have the endoscopy. If you don't have the procedure, it could take longer to diagnose and treat any health conditions that might be found during the endoscopy. Your condition could become worse in the meantime.

Resources and support

The Gastrointestinal Society of Australia has fact sheets on different types of endoscopy, including colonoscopy and gastroscopy.

Bowel Prep Australia has information on how to use the bowel preparation recommended by your doctor.

Find out more information about endoscopy for your child from the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne on gastroscopy and colonoscopy.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Languages other than English

Health Translations Victoria has fact sheets on colonoscopy in many community languages.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has created a fact sheet about colonoscopy for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.