Gastroscopy: An examination of the esophagus, stomach, and the upper part of the small intestine using an endoscope. The procedure requires 6 hours of fasting. It is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 5 minutes.
Colonoscopy: An examination performed by entering through the anus to visualize the large intestine and the terminal part of the small intestine.
For colonoscopy, the patient’s bowels must be completely cleansed beforehand. For this purpose, the patient should consume plenty of fluids the day before the procedure and use bowel-cleansing medications either the evening before or the morning of the procedure. It is performed under general anesthesia and typically lasts 15–20 minutes.
With the technological advancements of modern endoscopy devices, endoscopic procedures can now be performed quickly and comfortably.
ERCP: A procedure used to examine and treat the bile ducts and pancreatic duct. Fasting for 6 hours before the procedure is sufficient. The main therapeutic interventions include removing stones from the bile ducts and placing stents to relieve strictures.
IMPORTANT: During colonoscopy and ERCP, certain treatments may carry a risk of bleeding. Therefore, blood-thinning medications must be discontinued several days before the procedure. Because patients may experience temporary distraction or decreased alertness afterward, they should not come alone for the procedure and should avoid driving for several hours afterward.
ERCP is performed using similar sedative medications. Due to the potential complications that may occur after the procedure, hospital observation is recommended if conditions allow.
