Frequently asked questions.
Common questions about gastroscopy, colonoscopy, sedation, and medical aid — answered.
A gastroscopy is a procedure that allows a specialist to examine the oesophagus, stomach, and first part of the small bowel using a flexible camera.
A colonoscopy examines the colon and rectum and is commonly used to investigate bleeding, bowel habit changes, polyps, and bowel cancer screening.
Yes, some patients may require both investigations in one planned session, depending on symptoms and clinical assessment.
Most patients receive sedation to keep them comfortable, with anaesthetic support where appropriate. The exact sedation plan depends on your clinical profile.
Most outpatient endoscopy patients go home the same day after recovery, provided it is safe to do so.
Coverage depends on your medical aid plan, benefits, indication, and authorisation. Our team assists with the authorisation process.
Where clinically appropriate, outpatient endoscopy may help avoid unnecessary hospital admission and reduce certain facility-related costs. Final costs depend on your medical aid.
A referral is helpful, but patients may also contact the unit directly for guidance.
Preparation depends on the procedure. Gastroscopy usually requires fasting. Colonoscopy requires bowel preparation, which our team will explain clearly.
No. Patients who receive sedation should not drive after the procedure and should arrange transport home.
Gastroscopy is generally not painful. Most patients receive sedation to keep them relaxed and comfortable, and you may only feel mild throat discomfort afterwards.
Colonoscopy is usually well tolerated. Sedation is provided where appropriate, so most patients feel little or no discomfort, with only mild bloating afterwards.
A gastroscopy itself usually takes about 10–20 minutes. Allow extra time for check-in, sedation, and recovery before you go home.
A colonoscopy usually takes about 20–40 minutes. Including preparation and recovery, plan to be at the suite for a few hours.
Most patients choose sedation for comfort, and anaesthetic support is provided where appropriate. Your sedation plan depends on your clinical assessment and medical history.
Yes. Polyps can often be safely removed during the same colonoscopy, and the tissue is sent for analysis where clinically indicated.
Reflux or heartburn, difficulty swallowing, upper abdominal pain, persistent nausea or vomiting, vomiting blood, iron deficiency anaemia, and suspected ulcers may warrant a gastroscopy.
Rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habit, ongoing abdominal pain, iron deficiency anaemia, a positive stool test, or bowel cancer screening may warrant a colonoscopy.
Most medical aids require authorisation before an endoscopy procedure. Our team assists with the authorisation process, though final cover depends on your plan and benefits.