Insider Tips On Why You Should Get A Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy At The Same Time

As a quick introduction, a gastroscopy is an examination of the oesophagus and the inside of the stomach using a flexible scope. On the other hand, a colonoscopy is an examination of the large intestine and colon using a flexible scope. Both procedures are usually performed under sedation and take approximately 30-60 minutes.

In both procedures, doctors will be able to check for signs of abnormalities, diagnose any conditions you may have, and collect samples to test for signs of cancer. In the case of a colonoscopy, doctors can also remove benign polyps found in the colon before they turn cancerous, thereby reducing your risk of developing colorectal cancer. 

While a colonoscopy and gastroscopy are two separate procedures, did you know that they can be performed simultaneously? Here are a few reasons why we recommend having them done together. Read on to find out more about our doctor’s tips on why you should consider having a gastroscopy & colonoscopy done simultaneously.  

Reason #1: It is cost-effective

The first reason you should consider having both procedures done at the same time is that it can be more affordable in the long run. 

Colonoscopy and gastroscopy are two important medical procedures. Colonoscopy allows doctors to examine the large intestine, and gastroscopy enables doctors to examine the stomach. Both procedures are important for diagnosing diseases and conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. When these procedures are combined, the cost is usually less than if performed separately. 

This is because the doctor only has to use one anaesthetic and one endoscope for the entire procedure. Additionally, as you are doing both procedures at the same time, you save on the facility fees as well. 

If you were to get a gastroscopy and then come back later for a colonoscopy, you would likely have to pay two costs on a different day.

Reason #2: It saves time

The second reason is equally significant: Time. 

For someone considering a gastroscopy followed by colonoscopy later down the road, you may consider doing them together to save time. While each of the procedures does not take long (approx. 30 minutes each), preparation for the procedure and your recovery can take up half your day. 

That’s because you will need to consider the recovery time after anaesthesia. While you may be able to carry out your everyday activities, you are usually advised to refrain from doing anything strenuous or driving, which can affect any plans you have for the rest of the day. 

The combined procedure will only take you up to an hour, and you will only be down for at most a day instead of twice as much if the second one was scheduled for a different day. You won’t have to make two separate appointments, and you don’t have to take two days off work. 

Reason #3: You receive a complete check

The third reason is that doing them both together can be more thorough. 

Getting a gastroscopy and colonoscopy simultaneously is a great way to ensure that everything in the body is okay. By getting both procedures done at the same time, you are essentially giving your doctor a complete picture of what’s going on inside your body. While the gastroscopy would allow doctors to diagnose conditions related to the upper gastrointestinal tract, a colonoscopy will enable doctors to check for signs of abnormalities in the colon and rectum. 

You may think that they have abdominal pain related to the stomach. However, pain may also occur due to colon-related conditions such as polyps, diverticulitis and even cancer. If something were to show up on one test but not the other, your doctor might not be able to diagnose it properly. 

Reason #4: You will only have to bowel prep once

Finally, if you’ve ever had a colonoscopy, you know that the prep can be troublesome. Flushing your system with the bowel prep liquid and then waiting for nature to take its course is not exactly how most people want to spend their day. Having to do it all over again for a gastroscopy can be daunting. 

Thankfully, there’s a way to avoid this: getting both procedures done at the same time. Not only will you only have to endure the prep once, but you’ll also save yourself a trip to the hospital again. So, if you’re due for both a colonoscopy and a gastroscopy, consider combining them into one appointment! You’ll be glad you did.

Conclusion

If you’re due for either one of these procedures, you are recommended to consider combining them into one appointment. It will save you money, be more convenient, and be less of a hassle. 

G & L Surgical Clinic endeavours to be your trusted medical advisor to answer questions relating to colonoscopy and gastroscopy. Consider scheduling an assessment with our team to better understand your health. Contact us directly via WHATSAPP or call our CLINIC for assistance.