Endoscope/Colonoscopy

Posted , 7 users are following.

Has anyone had a colonoscopy and endoscopy done at the same time? I've never had a endoscopy done in my life and I am 59, am getting yearly colonscopies done due to reoccuring polyps. I know if I were to ask my gasternologist he would probably say to have them done seperately since having them done on different days cost more money and benefits the hospital. There are no guidelines that state how often an endoscope is needed. Should I still get one done? Symptoms I have are conspitation and bloating at times. 

I'm asking since I am scheduled for my colonoscopy next week and apparently there's an option to have them both done together. I haven't met with the gasternologist yet since it'll be my first time meeting him during the day of the colonscopy itself. Would the endoscopy part be done while I am sedated like my colonoscopy? Or do they only do local anesthesia for endoscopes?

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    Endoscopy is needed if there is upper GI discomfort and the doctor determines he can check your gastric mucosa and duodenum/cecum areas for any abnormalities. 
  • Posted

    Hi I'm an upper GI specialist nurse and although I don't work directly in endoscopy I do work with the Gastroenterology team. Often these procedures are done separately sometimes because the findings or not, of one lead on to the other investigation.

    in some instances they are done together and this saves you a further trip to hospital, no food/drink on another day etc. Also helps the Dr plan for future care as they have both reports immediately.

    Both of these procedures can be carried out with sedation if you so wish, it's often recommended for a colonoscopy as it's a lengthier procedure than endoscopy, and negotiating the flexures of he colon (where the direction changes) can be quite uncomfortable .  Having said that people do undergo the procedure with pain relief and no sedation.  Polyps need to be checked and are often removed during the procedure and sent for histology. I would suggest if you're nervous go for sedation.

    hope that's helpful best of luck.

    Both are done with sedation if you wish, colonoscopies typically use sedation

  • Posted

    I just had a colonoscopy and endoscopy done yesterday.  I was sedated and both were completed while I was under.  It was my first time for both and I'm really glad I did them at the same time to avoid 2 separate trips to the hospital. 

    I was told to have the endoscopy due to some swallowing issues.  They did take a biopsy so swallowing is a little uncomfortable today but that is the only thing that reminds me the procedure was done. 

    • Posted

      It's good to get both done together if you can, one trip to hospital, preparation, one sedation and all over with. Pleased it went well for you the biopsy site should heal quite quickly and discomfort settle over the next few days. Fingers crossed for good results  well done.

    • Posted

      Hey I just had that done today and now I'm bleeding is that normal?

  • Posted

    I had them both done today, at the same time ( well one after another) just pain relief and no sedation.

    I am in Australia and had to request no sedation as its normal to have sedation for both procedures here.

  • Posted

    You are right about the hospital benefits. The doctor also wins. My husband was scheduled for both, but decided against both in one day and i saw the dollar signs flash in the doctors eyes. That said, i doubt my husband will have to have the colonoscopy so now the only prep he has to do is not eat for 6 hours 

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