Common FAQs from patients before their Endoscopy

If you have an endoscopy appointment coming up, it's perfectly natural to have questions. Whether you're attending for a gastroscopy, colonoscopy, or flexible sigmoidoscopy, being informed helps ease anxiety and ensures you're fully prepared. At Endocare Diagnostics in Manchester, we answer hundreds of patient questions every month. Here are the most common FAQs about endoscopy procedures, from the practical to the medical.

What Exactly Is an Endoscopy?

An endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows a consultant to examine the inside of your digestive system using a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached (called an endoscope). The type of endoscopy you'll have depends on which area needs investigation. A gastroscopy examines your oesophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine. A colonoscopy looks at your large bowel, whilst a flexible sigmoidoscopy focuses on the lower portion of your colon and rectum.

These procedures help diagnose conditions ranging from acid reflux and ulcers to inflammatory bowel disease and polyps. They're also used in bowel cancer screening programmes.

Will It Hurt?

This is the question we hear most often, and understandably so. The good news is that modern endoscopy techniques are designed to minimise discomfort. For gastroscopies, your throat will be numbed with a local anaesthetic spray. You'll also be offered sedation, which helps you relax and reduces awareness of the procedure. Most patients report feeling drowsy rather than experiencing pain.

Colonoscopies and flexible sigmoidoscopies may cause some cramping or bloating as air is introduced to expand the bowel for better visibility. Again, sedation is available and helps significantly. Our nursing team at Endocare Diagnostics monitors your comfort throughout the entire procedure.

What If I'm Really Nervous?

Anxiety before medical procedures is completely normal. Speak openly with your consultant and nursing staff about your concerns. Sedation options can be adjusted based on your needs. Some patients prefer minimal sedation so they can watch the procedure on the monitor, whilst others prefer deeper sedation to remain unaware. There's no right or wrong choice.

Do I Really Need to Follow the Bowel Preparation Instructions?

Yes, absolutely. For colonoscopies and flexible sigmoidoscopies, thorough bowel preparation is essential. Without it, the consultant cannot see the bowel lining clearly, which may mean the procedure needs to be rescheduled. This wastes your time and delays diagnosis.

Bowel preparation involves drinking a laxative solution (usually split into two doses) and following a clear liquid diet beforehand. The taste isn't pleasant, but chilling the mixture and using a straw can help. Most patients find the preparation more uncomfortable than the actual procedure. Following the instructions precisely gives you the best chance of a successful, one-time examination.

Can I Eat or Drink Beforehand?

For gastroscopies, you must fast for at least six hours before your appointment. This means no food, and only small sips of water up to two hours before the procedure. An empty stomach is crucial for safety and visibility.

For colonoscopies and flexible sigmoidoscopies, you'll follow the specific bowel preparation diet sheet provided by the clinic. This typically includes clear fluids only for 24 hours before the procedure.

If you take regular medication, ask during your pre-assessment appointment whether you should continue taking it. Some medications (particularly blood thinners) may need adjusting, but never stop prescribed medication without medical advice.

Will I Need Someone to Accompany Me?

If you're having sedation, you must arrange for a responsible adult to collect you and stay with you for at least 12 hours afterwards. Sedation affects your judgement, reflexes, and memory, even if you feel fine. You cannot drive, operate machinery, sign legal documents, or drink alcohol for 24 hours after sedation.

You're also not permitted to travel home alone on public transport after sedation. If you cannot arrange an escort, please inform the clinic in advance. In some cases, procedures can be performed without sedation, though this isn't suitable for everyone.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

The endoscopy itself typically takes between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the type of procedure and whether any biopsies or therapeutic interventions are needed. However, you should allow around two to three hours for your entire appointment, including admission, preparation, the procedure, and recovery time.

If you're having sedation, you'll spend approximately 30 to 60 minutes in the recovery area whilst the nursing team monitors you until you're safe to go home.

What Happens If They Find Something?

During the endoscopy, the consultant may take small tissue samples (biopsies) for laboratory analysis. This is standard practice and doesn't necessarily mean something serious has been found. Biopsies help confirm diagnoses and rule out conditions.

If polyps are discovered during a colonoscopy, they're often removed immediately during the same procedure. Your consultant will discuss any findings with you afterwards, though biopsy results typically take one to two weeks to come back from the pathology laboratory. A follow-up appointment or letter will explain the results and any recommended treatment or monitoring.

Are There Risks?

Endoscopy is generally very safe, but like all medical procedures, it carries some risks. Serious complications are rare. Potential risks include bleeding (especially if biopsies are taken or polyps removed), perforation (a tear in the bowel wall), and reactions to sedation. Your consent form will outline these risks, and your consultant will discuss them with you.

At Endocare Diagnostics, our consultant-led service operates to the highest safety standards, with experienced teams performing thousands of procedures annually.

What About Afterwards?

After a gastroscopy, your throat may feel numb or slightly sore for a few hours. Stick to soft foods initially and avoid hot drinks until sensation returns. For colonoscopies and flexible sigmoidoscopies, you may experience some wind or mild cramping as the air used during the procedure passes. This settles quickly.

Most patients return to normal activities the day after their endoscopy. If you've had sedation, take it easy for the rest of that day. Serious symptoms like severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, fever, or vomiting should be reported immediately; these are uncommon.

Can I Eat Normally Straight Away?

After a gastroscopy, wait until the throat numbness wears off before eating to avoid choking. Start with light, easily digestible foods. After a colonoscopy, you can usually eat normally once you feel ready, though some patients prefer to reintroduce food gradually after the bowel preparation.

Questions About Symptoms?

Many patients undergoing endoscopy have been experiencing digestive symptoms. If you've been dealing with persistent stomach pain after eating, chronic bloating, or nausea after meals, the endoscopy aims to identify the underlying cause so appropriate treatment can begin.

Still Have Questions?

Every patient is different, and you may have specific concerns not covered here. The team at Endocare Diagnostics welcomes your questions at any stage. You can discuss concerns during your pre-assessment appointment, on the day of your procedure, or by contacting the clinic directly.

Our purpose-built facility in Manchester provides consultant-led endoscopy services for both NHS and private patients, with rapid access to diagnosis and ongoing care. Whether you're attending for investigation of symptoms or as part of a screening programme, we're here to ensure you feel informed, supported, and confident throughout your journey.

For more information about our endoscopy services or to book a gastroenterology consultation, visit our website or contact our team at Parkway 4, Princess Road, Manchester.