Combined Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy

A combined procedure involves performing both a gastroscopy and colonoscopy while you are under the same sedation.

A gastroscopy examines the oesophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine (duodenum), while a colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) and rectum.

Thin, flexible scopes with tiny cameras allow your specialist to carefully examine the lining of your digestive tract in detail.

During the procedure, the specialist can also:

• Take tissue samples (biopsies)

• Remove polyps if required

• Identify inflammation, ulcers, or abnormalities

• Treat certain conditions if needed

Biopsies are painless and routine.

Removing polyps can help prevent bowel cancer from developing.

If a large polyp is removed, there is a small risk of bleeding afterwards. For this reason, we recommend avoiding overseas travel for two weeks following your procedure.

Your doctor may recommend a combined gastroscopy and colonoscopy to investigate symptoms such as:

• Abdominal pain

• Reflux or persistent indigestion

• Changes in bowel habits

• Rectal bleeding

• Difficulty swallowing

• Persistent diarrhoea or constipation

• Unexplained anaemia

• Unintentional weight loss

• Vomiting blood or passing black stools

It may also be used to investigate multiple symptoms affecting different parts of the digestive system during a single visit.

Preparation for a combined procedure is similar to colonoscopy preparation and involves clearing the bowel so the digestive tract can be examined clearly and safely.

This usually includes:

• Following a low-fibre diet for several days beforehand

• Taking laxatives and a bowel preparation solution as instructed (no prescription is required)

• Fasting before the procedure

• Adjusting certain medications if advised by your specialist or clinical team

You will receive detailed written instructions specific to your appointment.

Careful preparation is essential for an accurate and safe examination.

When you arrive, our team will guide you through the admission process.

A nurse will:

• Review your medical history

• Confirm your medications and allergies

• Check your preparation

• Explain the procedure and answer any questions

• Prepare you for the procedure

You will change into a gown before being taken into the procedure room.

You will be positioned comfortably.

A local anaesthetic spray may be used to numb the back of your throat, and sedation is usually given through a vein to help you feel relaxed throughout the procedure.

The gastroscopy is usually performed first, followed by the colonoscopy.

Most combined procedures take around 45 minutes, although your total time at the clinic will typically be 2–3 hours including preparation and recovery.

Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how straightforward the procedure is.

Most patients experience little or no pain due to sedation.

You may feel some mild bloating or cramping during or after the colonoscopy component of the procedure, but this usually settles quickly.

Many patients remember very little of the procedure afterwards.

Following the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery area to rest while the sedation wears off.

When you are awake:

• Your specialist will explain the initial findings

• You will receive a written summary

• A report will be sent to your GP or referring doctor

You may feel bloated due to air introduced during the procedure, but this usually settles quickly.

If a large polyp is removed, we may recommend avoiding overseas travel for two weeks following your procedure due to a small risk of bleeding.

Before you leave, you will be offered a light snack and drink – including the fresh sandwiches many patients say are the highlight of their visit.

Our team will ensure you are feeling well enough to go home safely with your support person.

Most people return to normal activities the following day.

Sedation can affect your coordination, judgement and reaction time for several hours after your procedure.

You will need someone to drive you home and remain available to support you for the rest of the day.

Do not drive, operate machinery, use dangerous appliances or make important decisions until the following day, and avoid alcohol.

We also recommend avoiding social media or online activity while the effects of sedation remain.

If biopsies are taken or polyps removed, results are usually available within two weeks.

Your specialist will review the results and communicate them to your GP or referring doctor.

Combined gastroscopy and colonoscopy procedures are considered very safe, and serious complications are rare.

Potential risks include:

• Reaction to sedation

• Bleeding (especially if polyps are removed or biopsies taken)

• Perforation (a tear in the digestive tract or bowel wall – very uncommon)

• Infection (extremely rare due to rigorous industry-leading reprocessing and infection prevention standards)

If you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, fever, black stools, persistent bleeding, or difficulty swallowing after your procedure, please seek medical attention immediately.

Contact your Specialist or Endoscopy Auckland if you experience:

• Severe or worsening abdominal pain

• Persistent vomiting

• Fever

• Vomiting

• Inability to pass gas or stool