Can a gastroscopy and colonoscopy be performed together?

Nov 11, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Shen Yonghua

Introduction

In general, gastroscopy and colonoscopy can be performed together. Combining both procedures improves efficiency and reduces discomfort, eliminating the need for patients to schedule two separate appointments, thereby decreasing the number of hospital visits. It also allows for a single administration of anesthesia, minimizing patients' discomfort and pain. Additionally, for patients suspected of having gastrointestinal lesions in multiple areas, performing both endoscopic examinations concurrently enables a comprehensive assessment of the entire gastrointestinal tract.

Generally, gastroscopy and colonoscopy can be performed together. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Gastroscopy is a procedure in which a tube with a camera at its tip is inserted into the stomach, allowing visualization of the mucosal condition of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum through the endoscope. Colonoscopy involves inserting the scope through the anus and is primarily used to detect lesions in the rectum, entire colon, and terminal ileum.

Performing gastroscopy and colonoscopy together improves efficiency and reduces patient discomfort. It avoids the need for two separate appointments, thereby decreasing the number of hospital visits, and requires only one administration of anesthesia, minimizing the patient's discomfort and pain.

Furthermore, for patients suspected of having gastrointestinal lesions in multiple areas, performing both gastroscopy and colonoscopy simultaneously allows comprehensive evaluation of all potential lesions, preventing the overlooking of other pathological factors, which could hinder recovery.

In daily life, before undergoing gastroscopy and colonoscopy, patients should ensure adequate bowel cleansing by taking the prescribed bowel preparation medication under a physician's guidance and maintaining sufficient fluid intake. Additionally, for gastroscopy, patients must fast and not consume any food on the day of the examination. Wearing loose and comfortable clothing facilitates easier examination procedures. During the procedure, patients should remain as relaxed as possible, follow the physician's instructions regarding body positioning and breathing, and actively cooperate with the medical staff.

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Can I eat jiangxiangbing (a type of savory sauce pancake) before a gastroenterology endoscopy?

Gastrointestinal endoscopy refers to the examination of the gastrointestinal tract. Generally, if more than 8 hours have passed since the endoscopy, eating is usually allowed. However, if less than 8 hours have passed, eating is typically not recommended to avoid affecting the test results. It's advisable to consult a healthcare professional before resuming food intake. Prior to undergoing a gastrointestinal endoscopy, it's recommended to consume light and easily digestible foods such as millet porridge or pumpkin porridge, and to avoid spicy, greasy, or other irritating foods.

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How long after a gastroscopy and colonoscopy can you eat fruit?

During gastrointestinal endoscopy, the mucosa of the digestive tract may experience some degree of irritation or injury; therefore, a recovery period is needed after the procedure. Generally, if there are no discomfort symptoms such as abdominal pain or bloating six hours after the examination, patients may begin to try eating some fruits. However, the fruits should be easily digestible and non-irritating varieties.

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Can I drink milk tea the day before having a gastroscopy?

Generally, you should not drink milk tea the day before undergoing a gastrointestinal endoscopy, as it may affect the examination results and increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract. If you experience any discomfort after the procedure, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Milk tea contains various ingredients such as creamer, sugar, and additives, which are not easily digested and absorbed by the gastrointestinal system.