The digestive system includes several organs that work together to break down food, absorb nutrients, and remove waste. When symptoms such as persistent heartburn, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or changes in bowel habits develop, a doctor may recommend a closer look at the digestive tract. Two common procedures used for this purpose are upper endoscopy and colonoscopy; each uses a thin instrument with a camera to give a gastroenterologist a direct view of the lining of the digestive tract.
What Is an Upper Endoscopy?
An upper endoscopy, also called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), allows a doctor to examine the upper portion of the digestive tract. The doctor guides an endoscope through the mouth and into the esophagus, the stomach, and the duodenum; this is the first part of the small intestine. Images from the camera appear on a monitor for detailed review. Doctors may recommend this procedure to evaluate symptoms such as:
- Acid reflux
- Nausea
- Discomfort in the upper abdominal region
- Trouble swallowing
The exam can help identify inflammation, ulcers, or other abnormal tissue. If needed, the doctor may pass small tools through the endoscope to collect a tissue sample, known as a biopsy, for laboratory testing. Patients typically avoid eating and drinking for several hours beforehand so the stomach is empty. Most patients receive sedation, and the procedure usually takes less than an hour.
What Is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a procedure used to examine the lining of the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum. The doctor inserts a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope through the rectum, and they advance it through the colon. The attached camera sends real-time images to a screen so the doctor can inspect the tissue.
Colonoscopies serve two main purposes. Doctors use them to screen for colorectal cancer in adults who have reached a recommended age or who have certain risk factors. They may also use them to investigate specific symptoms; this includes rectal bleeding or chronic diarrhea. The doctor can remove polyps, which are small growths on the colon lining, and take biopsies.
Preparation involves cleansing the bowel so the doctor may see the colon lining clearly. This can include a clear liquid diet the day before the exam, as well as a prescribed laxative solution. Patients generally receive sedation, and the exam typically lasts around 30 minutes. A responsible adult will need to provide transportation home.
What Are the Benefits?
The doctor views the digestive tract directly during both procedures, and this allows these exams to provide details that some imaging tests may not reveal. Direct visualization lets the doctor observe the color, texture, and condition of the tissue. Both procedures also allow doctors to perform certain tasks during the same appointment, such as collecting biopsies, removing polyps, or addressing sources of bleeding without a separate surgical procedure.
Neither procedure requires incisions, and most patients return home the same day. The findings give doctors information that can guide a personalized care plan. This plan may include medication, dietary changes, follow-up monitoring, or additional treatment. For colonoscopy in particular, routine screening can allow doctors to find and remove polyps before they have the opportunity to change over time.
Seek Professional Digestive Health Care
Digestive symptoms that persist, recur, or change over time merit evaluation by a gastroenterologist, since they focus on conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. A gastroenterologist can review your symptoms and health history to determine whether an upper endoscopy, a colonoscopy, or a different test is appropriate. A doctor may recommend performing both procedures during the same session in some cases; this approach reduces the need for separate sedation and recovery periods.
