Gastroscopy Colonoscopy Dual Procedure

Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy Dual Procedure

Oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy. A dual procedure where a flexible tube is used to look inside the oesophagus, stomach, intestines and bowel.

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What is a gastrointestinal endoscopy?

This is a dual procedure combining a gastroscopy and colonoscopy, two scopes, a gastroscope and a colonoscope (flexible tube with a camera on the end) is inserted into the oesophagus, stomach, intestines and bowel.

The camera sends images of inside your body to a monitor. It can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. It allows your consultant to look at the upper and lower gastrointestinal regions at the same time.

Need to know

What happens during a gastroscopy?

Your consultant might offer you a sedative to help you relax. When you're sitting back comfortably your consultant will place a flexible telescope (an endoscope) into the back of your throat and down into your stomach. From there, the endoscope passes down into your small intestine (duodenum).

You might feel some discomfort but you shouldn't feel any pain. Using the images taken by the endoscope that appear on screen your consultant will look for problems such as inflammation or ulcers. If they need to take a biopsy, they may do it at the same time. They'll also use the endoscope to take photographs that can help them make any diagnosis.

How to prepare

Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you. If you're having a sedative, you should arrange for someone to drive you home as you won't be able to drive yourself.

After a gastroscopy

This procedure can be done as a day case, so you won't need to stay overnight in hospital. You should be able to go back to work the next day after your procedure, unless your consultant tells you otherwise.