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How to Prepare for an Upper or Lower Endoscopy

Here are the preparation steps commonly given before an endoscopy, organized item by item. Always follow the specific instructions from the facility performing your procedure.

Fasting before a gastroscopy

To empty the stomach and give a clear view, you're typically asked to fast for a set period beforehand β€” often 6 to 8 hours or more. Always follow the exact fasting window given by the facility performing your procedure.

Deciding on sedation

You can usually choose between a sedated endoscopy, done under a mild sedative for a more comfortable experience, or an unsedated version without it. If you choose sedation, you shouldn't drive yourself home afterward, and having someone accompany you is recommended.

Bowel prep before a colonoscopy

Because the colon needs to be thoroughly emptied for an accurate exam, you'll typically need to drink a bowel-cleansing solution on a specific schedule leading up to the procedure. Exact instructions can vary somewhat between facilities.

Low-residue diet guidance

The day before a colonoscopy, you're generally advised to avoid hard-to-digest foods like seeds, vegetable skins, and whole grains, and stick to easily digestible foods such as plain rice porridge or broth.

Reviewing your current medications

Certain medications β€” blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs, diabetes medications β€” may need to be temporarily adjusted before the procedure, so it's important to tell your doctor about everything you're currently taking when you schedule the exam.

Disclosing chronic conditions and allergies

If you have a heart condition, a respiratory condition, or a drug allergy, mentioning it during the pre-procedure intake is essential so the team can plan the exam safely around it.

What to check on the day of the exam

Confirm you've followed the fasting instructions and completed the bowel prep on schedule, and plan to arrive at the facility with time to spare, wearing comfortable clothing.

What to expect afterward

After a sedated procedure, the sedative's effects can linger, so it's important to rest before heading home. If a procedure such as a polyp removal was also performed, follow any specific dietary or activity instructions you're given.

Good prep makes for an accurate exam

For both upper and lower endoscopy, thoroughly clearing the area being examined is central to getting an accurate look. Not following the fasting window or not completing the bowel prep as directed can mean the exam has to be postponed or repeated, so following the schedule you're given closely really does matter.

Exact instructions vary by facility

The specifics β€” how long to fast, which bowel-prep solution to use, and exactly how to space out the doses β€” can differ somewhat from one facility to another. This page covers the general steps commonly involved; always follow the specific instructions given by the facility performing your procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

The bowel prep solution is hard to get through β€” do I really need to finish all of it?

If the colon isn't cleared well enough, the exam can be harder to interpret, which may mean postponing or repeating it. If you're struggling to finish it, ask the facility about tips, like drinking it cold or using a straw, or alternative prep options rather than giving up partway through.

Can I drive myself home after a sedated endoscopy?

It's generally not recommended, since the sedative's effects can linger. Arranging for someone to accompany you or using public transportation instead of driving yourself is the more commonly advised approach.