What to Know About a Combined Colonoscopy and Endoscopy
A combined colonoscopy and endoscopy lets a doctor examine your upper and lower gastrointestinal tract, all in one procedure.
Doctors use a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy to help diagnose the cause of gastrointestinal symptoms that you might be experiencing, such as abdominal pain, persistent heartburn, or unusual bowel movements.
Colonoscopies and endoscopies are typically safe procedures with a minimal risk of complications.
Keep reading to learn when a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy might be used and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
What is the goal of a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy?
Doctors use a combined endoscopy and colonoscopy to examine the lining of your esophagus, stomach, upper small intestine, and large bowel. The procedure helps doctors investigate the cause of specific symptoms you may be experiencing.
For example, an endoscopy can help determine the cause of:
bleeding
pain
persistent heartburn
nausea and vomiting
difficulty swallowing
unexplained weight loss
A colonoscopy can help your doctor determine the cause of:
abdominal pain or discomfort
diarrhea
changes in your bowel activity
anal bleeding
unexpected weight loss
During a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy, doctors can identify many underlying conditions, including:
internal inflammation or swelling
blockages or structures that are obstructing your gastrointestinal tract
celiac disease
ulcers
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
cancer
What's the procedure like for a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy?
Before the procedure
Your healthcare team will typically give you a printed handout with the steps you must follow before your procedure. This may include information about stopping specific medications, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or constipating agents, about a week before the combined procedure.
The day before you undergo a combined endoscopy and colonoscopy, you may need to take an oral laxative (called a ' bowel prep ') to clear your bowels. This makes it easier for the doctors to see the lining of your intestines.
In addition, you may not be allowed to eat or drink anything for 8 hours before the procedure.
During the procedure
After you arrive at the clinic or hospital, a member of the healthcare team will ask you to fill out an assessment form. Your doctor or a nurse will review your assessment form with you, and they may take your blood pressure and pulse. They may also ask you to change into a clinic-provided gown and shorts.
You'll then meet the endoscopist before the procedure starts. You'll have the opportunity to discuss what will happen during the colonoscopy and endoscopy. You can also ask them any questions you may have.
During the procedure, you'll be given a light sedative through a needle in your arm so you won't feel any discomfort. Your healthcare team will stay with you throughout the entire process. They will monitor your pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen levels to ensure your safety.
During the endoscopy
During the endoscopy, the doctor will pass an endoscope down your throat, through your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
The endoscope has a tiny camera mounted on its structure, which allows your doctor to view the inside of your gastrointestinal tract. The endoscope can also blow air into your GI tract, making the area easier to assess.
During the exam, your doctor may also collect a tissue sample for testing (biopsy), stop any bleeding that they find, or complete other procedures, such as removing an obstruction.
During the colonoscopy
After completing the endoscopy, your doctor will insert a colonoscope through your anus and rectum to check your large intestine. The colonoscope will blow air into your intestine, making it easier to see.
Some types of colonoscopy use a stream of water instead of blowing air into the intestine, which may be a more comfortable option for a person undergoing the procedure.
Once the coloscope reaches the opening of your small intestine, the doctor will start examining the large intestine again while retracting the coloscope.
As with the endoscopy, your doctor has the option to remove polyps or other tissues that they may want to biopsy.
After the procedure
If you're having your procedure done at an outpatient clinic, it may take a couple of hours after the procedure before you can go home. This time allows the anesthesia to wear off.
You may not be able to drive for 24 hours, so it's a good idea to arrange for someone to drive you to and from the clinic.
The entire procedure can last 5 to 90 minutes. An endoscopy usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes, while a colonoscopy may last 0 to 60 minutes.
What's the recovery like for a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy?
After a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy, you may experience symptoms including:
a light blood discharge from your rectum if the doctor removed polyps during the examination
abdominal pain caused by the air pumped in during the procedure
nausea for a couple of hours after the end of the exam
sore throat for a couple of days after the test
After the combined colonoscopy and endoscopy, your doctor may give you the result of your test. However, a biopsy result may take a few days to get.
What are the potential risks or side effects of a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy?
The potential risks and side effects of a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy are rare but can include:
abdominal pain
bleeding
perforation
reaction to sedatives causing heart or breathing problems
You should seek medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms after you have attended a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy:
bloody vomit
throat pain or difficulty swallowing
bloody diarrhea or bowel movements
blood discharge from your rectum that does not get better
severe abdominal pain that gets worse
chest pain
dizziness or weakness
How much does a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy cost?
The average cost for a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy in the United States varies by state, city, and clinic. According to MDsave, costs range from $2,346 to $10,221, depending on where you have the procedure done.
Generally, it's less expensive to undergo a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy on the same day during the same procedure rather than booking two different sessions.
In most cases, a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy would be covered by medical insurance policies when recommended by a doctor. Contact your insurance company if you're unsure.
Takeaway
A combined colonoscopy and endoscopy can help doctors diagnose the cause of symptoms you might be experiencing, such as abdominal pain, persistent heartburn, or atypical bowel movements. The procedure allows doctors to examine the interior of your gastrointestinal tract.
The risks of a combined colonoscopy are rare but can include perforation or internal bleeding. However, your healthcare team will constantly monitor you during the procedure to ensure your safety and to make you as comfortable as possible.
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