Endoscopy
What is an
Endoscopy?
An endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to look inside your digestive tract, typically the oesophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. It involves passing a thin, flexible tube with a camera (called an endoscope) through your mouth and down into your stomach.
This allows your doctor to check for inflammation, ulcers, blockages, or other issues—without the need for surgery. The procedure is usually done as a day procedure under light sedation, so you’ll be comfortable and likely won’t remember it.
Your doctor may recommend an endoscopy if you have symptoms such as:
- Ongoing heartburn or reflux
- Unexplained stomach pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss or anaemia
It can also be used to monitor existing conditions, take tissue samples (biopsies), or help guide treatment plans for digestive disorders.
For weight loss surgery patients, endoscopy may be used before surgery to check for conditions that might affect your procedure, or after surgery to evaluate your results or investigate any concerns.
Benefits of Endoscopy
Endoscopy is a valuable, low-risk tool that helps accurately diagnose digestive conditions and guide appropriate treatment.
- Minimally invasive and low risk
No surgical incisions required, with most procedures completed in under 30 minutes. - Accurate diagnosis
Identifies a wide range of conditions including ulcers, inflammation, coeliac disease, and early signs of cancer. - Quick recovery
Most patients can go home the same day and resume normal activities soon after. - Real-time biopsy or treatment
Tissue samples can be collected, and minor treatments can be performed during the procedure if needed. - Greater peace of mind
Clear results can help explain symptoms and lead to more effective management.
Important Considerations
Preparation Required
You'll need to fast for 6-8 hours before the procedure to ensure your stomach is empty for clear visibility.
Sedation Effects
While the procedure itself has minimal recovery time, you will need someone to drive you home as the sedation effects can last several hours.
Minor Throat Discomfort
Some patients experience a mild sore throat for 1-2 days after the procedure.
Low Complication Rate
Serious complications are extremely rare (less than 1 in 1,000), but can include reaction to sedation, bleeding, or perforation.
Follow-Up May Be Needed
Depending on findings, additional tests, treatments, or follow-up endoscopies may be recommended.
Next step
If you’re experiencing digestive symptoms or need an endoscopy as part of your weight loss surgery journey, our specialist team at Surgiscope SA can help.