Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope is used to look inside the oesophagus, stomach and the duodenum
It's also referred to as an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy/ oesophagogastroduodenoscopy The endoscope has light and a camera at one end. The camera sends images of the inside of your oesophagus, stomach and duodenum to a monitor.
Gastroscopy often takes less than 15 minutes, although it may take longer if it's being used to treat a condition. It's usually carried out as an outpatient procedure, which means you will not have to spend the night in hospital. Before the procedure, your throat will be numbed with a local anaesthetic spray. You can also choose to have a sedative, if you prefer. This means you will still be awake, but will be drowsy and have reduced awareness about what's happening. The doctor carrying out the procedure will place the endoscope in the back of your mouth and ask you to swallow the first part of the tube. It will then be guided down your oesophagus and into your stomach.

It is done for the following common Indications

• Having persistent abdominal pain
• Hyperacidity,
• Inability to swallow foods
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Gastric and duodenal ulcers
• Cancer of esophagus and stomach.
• Diagnosing and management of esophageal Varices, gastric varices
• Hematemesis ( Vomiting of blood ) / Melena
• Persistent Diarrhoea

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum.
During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted through the anal canal upto the caecum/ terminal ileum.. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon.
If necessary, polyps or other types of abnormal tissue can be removed through the scope during a colonoscopy. Tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken during a colonoscopy as well.

How you prepare

Before a colonoscopy, you'll need to clean out (empty) your colon. Any residue in your colon may obscure the view of your colon and rectum during the exam.

To empty your colon, your doctor may ask you to:

• Follow a special diet the day before the exam. Typically, you won't be able to eat solid food the day before the exam. Drinks may be limited to clear liquids — plain water, tea and coffee without milk or cream, broth, and carbonated beverages. Avoid red liquids, which can be confused with blood during the colonoscopy. You may not be able to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the exam.
• Take a laxative. Your doctor will usually recommend taking a laxative, in either pill form or liquid form. You may be instructed to take the laxative the night before your colonoscopy, or you may be asked to use the laxative both the night before and the morning of the procedure.
• Adjust your medications. Remind your doctor of your medications at the time of takig the appointmentespecially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or heart problems .