Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy
Endoscopy can help diagnose and treat a range of gastrointestinal conditions. Your treating doctor will advise whether gastroscopy, colonoscopy, or both are appropriate.
What is endoscopy?
A short explanation of common endoscopy procedures.
Endoscopy uses a flexible camera to examine the gastrointestinal tract. Two common procedures are:
- Gastroscopy (upper endoscopy): examination of the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum
- Colonoscopy (lower endoscopy): examination of the colon and rectum
During endoscopy, biopsies may be taken if required. Polyps may be removed during colonoscopy when clinically appropriate.
Why might endoscopy be recommended?
Common reasons for gastroscopy or colonoscopy.
Gastroscopy (upper endoscopy)
- Reflux symptoms or swallowing difficulties
- Persistent upper abdominal pain or indigestion
- Unexplained nausea or vomiting
- Assessment of anaemia or bleeding sources
- Coeliac disease assessment (where indicated)
Colonoscopy (lower endoscopy)
- Rectal bleeding or blood in stool
- Change in bowel habit
- Investigation of iron deficiency anaemia
- Abdominal pain or persistent diarrhoea
- Polyp surveillance or family history assessment
Screening & surveillance
Endoscopy may be used for surveillance in patients with a history of polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or other conditions, depending on clinical guidelines.
Your doctor will advise appropriate timing and indications.
Preparation
Clear instructions improve accuracy and safety.
Colonoscopy preparation (Picoprep)
You will also receive a personalised instruction sheet with exact dates and times. The guidance below reflects our standard colonoscopy preparation.
Medications
- Stop iron and bran products (including Metamucil) 3 days before your procedure.
- Continue laxatives if you normally take them. Continue other regular medications unless advised otherwise.
- Aspirin does not need to be stopped for colonoscopy.
- If you take other blood thinning medication (e.g. warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, clopidogrel), or any diabetic medication this must be discussed with our Doctors prior to the procedure.
Diet
- Commence a low fibre / low residue diet at least 3 days prior to your procedure.
- 24 hours prior to your procedure, you must have clear fluids only.
- Clear fluids include: water, strained juice (no pulp), clear soup/broth, soft drinks, icy poles, jelly.
- No solid food and no milk (milk is considered a solid food).
Picoprep timing
- For a morning colonoscopy you should take the first glass of Picoprep the evening prior. You should take the second satchet two hours later. For an afternoon colonoscopy take one satchet the night prior and the second one early the following morning. Place powder in a glass or mug, add a small amount of boiled water and mix to dissolve, then add cold/iced water, mix and drink completely.
- Keep drinking clear fluids to prevent dehydration and maximise results.
- Continue clear fluids until 2 hours prior to admission
- If your procedure is early morning, take your regular tablets with a small sip of water.
Day of procedure
- Arrive at the hospital at the time provided on your booking confirmation.
- You will be interviewed by the anaesthetist prior to the procedure.
- Sedation is administered via a drip; you should not be aware of the procedure or feel pain.
- If you are also having a gastroscopy, this is usually performed first after sedation commences.
Afterwards
- You will not be able to drive for 24 hours. You must be collected by a relative or friend.
- Most patients are at hospital for approximately 2–3 hours.
- You may eat and drink normally after the procedure unless advised otherwise.
If you are concerned about a possible complication, please contact our rooms on (07) 3910 5150 (Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm), or contact your hospital switchboard after hours.
What to expect on the day
Most endoscopy procedures are performed as day procedures.
- Most patients receive sedation or anaesthesia, depending on the hospital and clinical requirements.
- You will need someone to take you home if you have sedation/anaesthesia.
- Biopsy or polyp removal may be performed if indicated.
- Results are typically discussed after the procedure, and written correspondence is sent to your referring doctor.
Risks and complications
All procedures carry risks, which vary depending on individual circumstances.
Your surgeon and anaesthetist will discuss risks relevant to your procedure and health history. Potential risks may include bleeding, perforation (rare), reaction to sedation/anaesthesia, infection (uncommon), and incomplete examination requiring repeat investigation.
This page provides general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice.
Appointments & referrals
Contact our rooms for appointment enquiries.
Suite 311, Level 3
North Lakes Specialist Centre
6 North Lakes Drive
North Lakes QLD 4509