Endoscopy & Colonoscopy Guide — R.K. Hospital Bhopal

Overview

Endoscopy and colonoscopy are diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that allow doctors to visually examine the inside of your digestive tract. An upper GI endoscopy (also called gastroscopy or OGD) uses a thin, flexible scope inserted through the mouth to examine the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. A colonoscopy uses a similar scope inserted through the rectum to examine the entire large intestine (colon) and the terminal part of the small intestine. At R.K. Hospital & Research Centre, these procedures are performed by experienced surgeons using high-definition video endoscopes. Beyond diagnosis, we also perform therapeutic interventions during these procedures — including biopsy, polyp removal, bleeding control, foreign body removal, and dilation of strictures. Dr. Rajesh Kanungo (MBBS, MS, FMAS, FIAGES, DLS France) brings 34 years of expertise to ensure accurate diagnosis and safe treatment.

Who Needs Endoscopy & Colonoscopy?

• •Patients with persistent upper abdominal pain, heartburn, or acid reflux not responding to medication
• •Individuals with difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), unexplained nausea/vomiting, or upper GI bleeding (vomiting blood or black stools)
• •Patients with chronic diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or persistent change in bowel habits requiring colonoscopy
• •Adults over 45 years requiring screening colonoscopy for colorectal cancer detection
• •Patients needing therapeutic procedures such as polyp removal, bleeding control, or dilation of strictures
• •Individuals with iron deficiency anaemia of unknown cause that may indicate occult GI bleeding

How to Prepare

1. 1For upper GI endoscopy: fast for 6–8 hours (no food or drink) before the procedure
2. 2For colonoscopy: follow a clear liquid diet for 24 hours before the procedure and take the prescribed bowel preparation (laxative solution) to completely clean the colon
3. 3Inform the doctor about all medications; blood thinners may need to be adjusted before the procedure
4. 4Arrange for someone to drive you home as you will receive sedation during the procedure
5. 5Wear loose, comfortable clothing and leave jewellery and valuables at home

What Happens During the Procedure

1. 1A mild sedative and/or local throat spray (for endoscopy) is given to ensure comfort during the procedure
2. 2For endoscopy: the flexible scope is gently passed through the mouth, down the oesophagus, into the stomach, and into the duodenum while you breathe normally
3. 3For colonoscopy: the flexible scope is inserted through the rectum and carefully advanced through the entire colon to the caecum
4. 4The doctor examines the lining in real time on a high-definition monitor, looking for inflammation, ulcers, polyps, tumours, or bleeding
5. 5Biopsies (small tissue samples) are taken for lab analysis if any abnormal areas are found; polyps are removed during the same procedure
6. 6The scope is slowly withdrawn while completing the examination; the entire procedure takes 15–30 minutes for endoscopy and 30–60 minutes for colonoscopy

Recovery & Aftercare

• ✓You will rest in the recovery area for 30–60 minutes until the sedation wears off
• ✓Mild bloating, gas, and throat soreness (after endoscopy) are normal and resolve within a few hours
• ✓You can usually eat a light meal 1–2 hours after the procedure unless otherwise instructed
• ✓Do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours after sedation
• ✓Biopsy results are typically available within 5–7 days; your doctor will discuss findings at the follow-up visit
• ✓Report any severe abdominal pain, persistent bleeding, fever, or difficulty swallowing immediately to the hospital

Risks & Considerations

Like any medical procedure, there are some risks. Your doctor will discuss these in detail during consultation.

• ⚠Perforation (a small tear in the wall of the digestive tract) — extremely rare (less than 1 in 1,000) and may require surgical repair
• ⚠Bleeding, especially after biopsy or polyp removal — usually minor and stops on its own
• ⚠Adverse reaction to sedation — minimised with careful dosing and continuous monitoring during the procedure
• ⚠Missed lesions — a very small percentage of abnormalities may not be detected, which is why follow-up is important
• ⚠Discomfort from bloating and gas after colonoscopy — temporary and relieved by passing gas

Cost in Bhopal

Frequently Asked Questions