Endoscopy

What is endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a procedure that provides direct visualization of the internal organs using an endoscope, a flexible tube equipped with a high-resolution camera and light source that provides real-time imaging of mucosal surfaces and internal cavities.

Endoscopy is used to find the cause of symptoms such as stomach pain, trouble swallowing or bleeding. It can be used to diagnose conditions such as ulcers, inflammation or cancers, to provide treatment such as removing growths (like polyps) or stopping bleeding, or to take tissue samples (biopsies).

There are different types of endoscopies depending on the part of the body being examined:

• Upper endoscopy: Looks at your esophagus, stomach, and upper intestine.
• Colonoscopy (lower endoscopy): Checks your large intestine (colon).
• Bronchoscopy: Examines your lungs and airway.
• Cystoscopy: Looks at your bladder and urinary tract.
• Laparoscopy: Views the organs in our abdomen or pelvis through a small cut.

How do I access endoscopy services?

Referral Process

Your healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist to determine if endoscopy is needed or could help with an illness, condition or injury.

Many patients will be referred using Nova Scotia's electronic referral system (eReferrals). Patients who provide their email address can receive automatic email updates as information is added to the system and may have the option to confirm your appointment right from your email.

Patients being referred by eReferral can ask their healthcare provider to note their preferences to include a certain facility or healthcare provider or noting that you would be willing to travel to some other areas, or anywhere in the province, if it meant receiving care sooner. It is important to remember when selecting your preferences that you may also need to travel to see the specialist for an appointment, for your procedure and for other care that may be needed before or after your procedure.

Specialist Appointments

Specialist offices will often book patients for an appointment to determine if an endoscopy or other type of care may be needed. At this appointment, your specialist will discuss other types of care that may be needed. If an endoscopy is recommended they will help you understand the benefits, risks, and what is involved. 

In some cases, specialists may determine that an endoscopy can be scheduled without an initial appointment. This is known as a direct access endoscopy.

Scheduling and Wait Times

Most endoscopies are not considered emergencies and can be safely scheduled for a future date. They are sometimes referred to as elective procedures and will be scheduled on the priority level assigned by the specialist.

How quickly you are scheduled for endoscopy will depend on how urgently you require care and how many patients are waiting. 

Most patients are provided with a procedure date a few weeks ahead of their endoscopy.

Nova Scotia Health booking teams help support the scheduling process. Learn more.

Appointment Reminders and YourHealthNS

You can now receive appointment reminders through the YourHealthNS app or website. YourHealthNS gives patients access to their appointments, lab and diagnostics information, and prescribed medications in the Records section of the app. You can also enable push notifications from the app to be reminded of your upcoming appointments. Note: There is a 7-day delay before appointments appear in the app.

YourHealthNS can be downloaded to your mobile device through the Apple and Google Play stores. The app can also be accessed online at www.YourHealthNS.ca.

How do I prepare for my procedure?

Endoscopy with consult appointment prior to day of procedure

To ensure a successful colonoscopy, proper bowel preparation is essential. This usually involves following a clear liquid diet the day before the procedure and taking a prescribed laxative solution to clean out your colon. A clean colon helps the doctor see clearly and find any issues. Be sure to follow all instructions carefully, stay hydrated, and ask your healthcare team if you have any questions.

Your specialist will let you know of any steps you need to take to prepare for your endoscopy.

• Medication and supplements
  • Some patients may be directed to stop taking certain medications or supplements before their procedure. It is important for your health care team to know any medications or supplements you are taking.
• Testing
  • Tests such as bloodwork or x-rays may sometimes be ordered before your endoscopy.

It is important that patients know what to expect and feel, and that they have all the information they need about their endoscopy. We recommend that you make a list of questions to ask your healthcare team.

Direct-to-scope endoscopy access - with consultation on the day of the procedure

Some patients qualify for a direct-to-scope endoscopy, which allows your consultation with the specialist and your procedure to happen on the same day. This reduces wait times and avoids the need for a separate clinic visit, while still providing a thorough assessment before the procedure. You'll receive preparation instructions ahead of time, usually when your procedure date is booked and confirmed.

Will I have to stay in hospital after my endoscopy?

Most endoscopic procedures do not require an overnight stay in hospital, with most patients being able to go home shortly after their procedure. You may need to have a responsible adult take you home after your test and stay with you overnight.

Your healthcare team will talk to you about what to expect.

What can I expect on the day of my procedure?

Your healthcare team will provide you with instructions and let you know what to expect. What happens the day of the endoscopy can vary between locations.

Most patients can expect the following:

• You will be told where to register when you come for your endoscopy.
• You will need to show your Nova Scotia Health Card (true - and confirm your insurance information.
• You will be asked to leave all your valuables at home or leave these with whomever may be accompanying you.
• You may need to have someone available to drive you home after the procedure. Staff will ask who is driving you and how they can be reached.
• From the registration area you will be directed to a care area to prepare for your procedure. This area will vary depending on what facility you are receiving care from.
• You will be asked to change into hospital clothing and slippers.
• A nurse will ask you some questions, including when you last ate and drank.
• A nurse may also take your weight and height and check other things such as your temperature or blood sugar levels.
• After your procedure you will be moved to a recovery room.

What can I expect after my endoscopy procedure?

Your healthcare team will talk to you about what to expect after endoscopy and the things you can do to support your recovery. 

This might include telling you what side effects might be common, any activities to avoid, how to control pain, how you can help your recovery, signs of infections or other complications to watch for, and where you should call if you have a concern.

Questions you might want to ask your health care team include:

• What possible side effects should I look for after treatment?
• What are the signs of infection?
• What do I do about constipation?
• What kind of timeframe am I looking at for recovery?
• What activities am I allowed to do? What should I avoid?
• What medications am I allowed to take?
• Can I drive?
• Can I travel?
• Can I drink alcohol?
• Will I have a follow-up appointment?