Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDifferencesPossible DiagnosesPreparation and ProcedurePain & How IntrusiveBenefitsRisksPerformed at Same TimeDischarge and AftercareNext Steps
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Differences
Possible Diagnoses
Preparation and Procedure
Pain & How Intrusive
Benefits
Risks
Performed at Same Time
Discharge and Aftercare
Next Steps
Endoscopy procedures for the digestive system—upper endoscopy and colonoscopy—are similar in that they require preparation and are usually done while the person is sedated. They are useful for viewing different parts of the digestive system and to aid in diagnosing any conditions found there.
They are often outpatient, same-day procedures. At times, both are performed on the same day. This cuts down on the time the patient needs to prepare and recover and may also reduce costs.
Endoscopy vs. Colonoscopy Differences
“Endoscopy"is a term referring to several different types of tests used to see inside the body. Two that are used for understanding digestive conditions include upper endoscopy (also called anesophagogastroduodenoscopyor ECG) and colonoscopy.
Anupper endoscopylooks at theesophagus(food tube), stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). A colonoscopy looks at the lower digestive system, including the rectum, large intestine, and a part of the small intestine called the terminal ileum.
Depending on their symptoms, people may need either one or both of these procedures. They are used to diagnose conditions in different parts of the digestive tract.
Conditions Diagnosed From the Procedures
An upper endoscopy may also be used to keep an eye on an already diagnosed condition or, in some cases, give a treatment.
Some of the conditions or issues that could be monitored or diagnosed with an endoscopy are:
Acolonoscopyis used to look for conditions that affect therectumandlarge intestine. It is also used to removepolyps(abnormal growths found on the inner walls of the colon), which can be a precursor tocolon and rectal cancer.
Some of the digestive conditions that could be diagnosed, managed, or monitored with a colonoscopy are:
The digestive system needs to be clear of food and/or stool to get a good picture of what’s going on inside. A healthcare provider will provide instructions on preparing for an endoscopy or a colonoscopy.
Upper Endoscopy
For an upper endoscopy, preparing may include fasting (not eating or drinking). Fasting could start at midnight the night before the procedure or for several hours before the appointment time.
An upper endoscopy is usually done with anesthesia, meaning you will either be fully unconscious or sleepy from medications. If this is the case, you will need to arrange for a ride home with a trusted driver. It is unsafe to drive since you may have confusion and be sleepy after anesthesia.
Colonoscopy
Preparationbefore a colonoscopy will most likely include both fasting (not eating) and usingmedications to clear out the colon of stool. Methods vary depending on the reason for the colonoscopy, any other health conditions present, cost, and the preference of the healthcare provider.
Starting a week before the procedure, you may be asked to stop certain medications and avoid some types of foods (such as high-fiber foods or those with seeds). Fasting or following aclear liquid dietusually starts the day before the procedure, but for some people, it could start earlier.
A colonoscopy is almost always done under anesthesia. Because you will not be allowed to drive home after a colonoscopy, you will need a ride home from a friend or family member.
It might also be necessary to stop certain medications for a time before either an upper endoscopy or a colonoscopy. Some medications could increase the risk of bleeding, and other medications or supplements could prevent a provider from seeing the digestive system clearly.
The medications that might need to be stopped or the dosage changed could include:
Pain and Degree of Intrusiveness
Both an upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy are invasive procedures. They involve inserting specialized instruments or tools into thedigestive system, either through the mouth or the anus.
Upper endoscopy and colonoscopy are usually done while the person issedated, so there is no discomfort or pain and no (or minimal) memory of the procedure.
It’s important to ask questions of healthcare providers to understand how these procedures are done and what to expect. Some people may find the thought of having these procedures challenging. It’s key to let the healthcare provider know about doubts or reservations because solutions are available.
The benefits of having an upper endoscopy or a colonoscopy is that they can give the healthcare provider a better understanding of what might be causing symptoms and assist them in diagnosing and treating that condition.
With colonoscopy, any polyps found are often removed and examined in the lab to rule out cancer. Removing polyps before they become cancerous is a way of preventing colon cancer.
While these procedures are intrusive and take time away from work, school, or family, they are important in diagnosing, managing, treating, and preventing digestive diseases and conditions.
Serious problems after these procedures are rare.Minor issues are usually treatable or, in some cases, may stop on their own without any special treatment except watchful waiting.
Potential risks of an upper endoscopy or acolonoscopycan include:
Contrasting After EffectsThe potential risks and side effects of upper endoscopy and colonoscopy are similar. Both procedures use anesthesia, meaning that people who are sensitive or allergic to anesthesia may have a reaction. There is also a remote risk of these procedures' causing a perforation in the digestive system. Bleeding is also a possibility, especially when biopsies (removing a small piece of tissue for examination in a lab) are done from inside the digestive tract.With an upper endoscopy, there could be effects such as a sore throat or gas (burping). With a colonoscopy, there could be gas (flatulence), loose stools or diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort or cramping.However, not everyone has side effects, and serious complications are rare with either procedure. Most people find these procedures to be inconvenient but manageable and are able to return to regular activities the next day.
Contrasting After Effects
The potential risks and side effects of upper endoscopy and colonoscopy are similar. Both procedures use anesthesia, meaning that people who are sensitive or allergic to anesthesia may have a reaction. There is also a remote risk of these procedures' causing a perforation in the digestive system. Bleeding is also a possibility, especially when biopsies (removing a small piece of tissue for examination in a lab) are done from inside the digestive tract.With an upper endoscopy, there could be effects such as a sore throat or gas (burping). With a colonoscopy, there could be gas (flatulence), loose stools or diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort or cramping.However, not everyone has side effects, and serious complications are rare with either procedure. Most people find these procedures to be inconvenient but manageable and are able to return to regular activities the next day.
The potential risks and side effects of upper endoscopy and colonoscopy are similar. Both procedures use anesthesia, meaning that people who are sensitive or allergic to anesthesia may have a reaction. There is also a remote risk of these procedures' causing a perforation in the digestive system. Bleeding is also a possibility, especially when biopsies (removing a small piece of tissue for examination in a lab) are done from inside the digestive tract.
With an upper endoscopy, there could be effects such as a sore throat or gas (burping). With a colonoscopy, there could be gas (flatulence), loose stools or diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort or cramping.
However, not everyone has side effects, and serious complications are rare with either procedure. Most people find these procedures to be inconvenient but manageable and are able to return to regular activities the next day.
Reasons to Do Endoscopy and Colonoscopy at the Same Time
It’s possible to need both an upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy to determine what may be causing digestive system symptoms. These procedures take time because they require preparation and recovery. Having them on different days only multiplies these drawbacks.
An upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy can be done on the same day. This may be preferable to reduce the time away from daily activities. Plus, doing two procedures on the same day means less sedation and pretesting (such as blood draws) are needed, which may mean fewer complications.
It might also be more cost-effective. The costs to cover both the use of the facility and the healthcare team may be lower if both procedures are done on the same day.
Discharge and Aftercare Instructions
The discharge and aftercare instructions for an upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy will be similar. Both procedures involve intravenous (IV) sedation, and the person will need assistance in getting home and settled after the procedure.
After an upper endoscopy, you will stay at the facility where the procedure is done until you are ready to be discharged. A healthcare provider will monitor vital signs (pulse, temperature, and blood pressure). In an hour or so, you may be able to get dressed and get a ride home.
Some people may have abdominal bloating, a sore throat, or nausea after an upper endoscopy. These usually only last a short time, and they go away on their own.
If there are any complications (which are not common), you may need to stay longer at the facility or even overnight in the hospital. Most people will be discharged in the care of a friend or relative and go home to take it easy and recover for the rest of the day.
After a colonoscopy, you will be wheeled to a recovery area to wake up from the anesthesia. Some people may feel the need to pass gas out of their bottom. There may bebloatingor some cramping, and a healthcare provider will monitor vital signs and watch for any side effects.
After both procedures, a healthcare provider may share some results right away. More detailed results, such as those from a biopsy, will be available in the days or weeks after.
After either or both of these procedures, most people are able to return to their regular activities the next day.
A healthcare provider will give a printout of any symptoms to watch for and contact information about whom to talk to if there are any new signs or symptoms. You may also need to schedule a follow-up appointment with a healthcare provider to review the results.
Next Steps After Results
What happens next after having an upper endoscopy or a colonoscopy will depend on the results of these tests. These procedures may lead to a diagnosis of a condition and a treatment plan. You may need to meet with a healthcare provider on an ongoing basis to understand the condition and get it managed properly.
If everything looks normal or nothing of note is found, you may need more tests to understand what’s causing your symptoms. The tests needed will largely be based on what is found during the endoscopy.
In most cases, the endoscopy procedures will not need to be repeated for several months or years unless they cannot be completed for some reason.
Talk to your healthcare provider about any questions or concerns you have regarding results or next steps after having endoscopy procedures.
Summary
An upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy are similar procedures that are done to look at either end of the digestive tract. The preparation includes fasting and may also include taking laxatives to clear the digestive system of stool.
Most of the time, these procedures are done with anesthesia, so the person is sedated or unconscious and doesn’t feel any discomfort. Serious complications are rare, and most people return to regular activities in a day or so.
A healthcare provider will give some results either right after the procedure or within several days to make a diagnosis and decide on any next steps.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Upper GI endoscopy.
Harvard Medical School.Understanding the results of your colonoscopy.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Colonoscopy.
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