What is Endoscopy? How is it done? What You Should Know About Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic method of imaging certain parts of the body, especially the digestive system, with a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light source (endoscope). the most practical answer to the question “**What is endoscopy?” is this: It is a modern examination that allows the doctor to see the source of your complaint directly. In particular, stomach endoscopy (gastroscopy) is frequently requested in cases such as reflux, stomach pain, difficulty swallowing, unexplained anemia.

In this guide, we will explain how endoscopy is performed, pre-procedure preparation, sleeping endoscopy (sedation) options, post-procedure considerations, possible risks, biopsy process and curious endoscopy prices. We will also talk about what to look for when choosing a clinic for those searching for “Istanbul endoscopy”.

Note: This article is for general information purposes. A doctor’s assessment is absolutely necessary for diagnosis and treatment.

What is Endoscopy? In Which Situations?

Endoscopy is the visualization of internal organs with a device with a camera at the end. One of the most common types is gastroscopy, which examines the esophagus, stomach and the first part of the duodenum. In some cases, endoscopy can be used not only for imaging but also for procedures such as biopsy taking, polyp removal, bleeding stopping.

Which complaints are investigated by endoscopy?

Your doctor may recommend endoscopy for the following complaints:

• Prolonged reflux and burning in the chest
• Stomach pain, indigestion, bloating
• Nausea and vomiting (especially if recurrent)
• Difficulty swallowing or feeling stuck
• Unexplained weight loss (especially if rapid)
• Anemia (iron deficiency), fecal occult blood positivity
• Suspicion of gastric ulcer or previous history of ulcer

Don’t delay if you have “alarm symptoms”

In cases such as severe and new-onset complaints, bloody vomiting, black stools, marked weakness, rapid weight loss, doctors may request endoscopy at an earlier stage. The aim is to rule out a serious problem or catch it early.

Related content: For reflux symptoms and treatment, you can check our informative article about reflux; for suspected stomach infection, you can check our H. pylori test and treatment content.

How Endoscopy is Performed (Step by Step)

the question “**How is endoscopy performed?” is one of the most important topics that reduces anxiety before the procedure. Endoscopy is usually performed in a hospital or equipped clinic, under sterile conditions and in most cases takes a short time.

1) Pre-procedure evaluation

Your doctor will ask about your complaints, medications (especially blood thinners), allergies, previous anesthesia/sedation experiences and comorbidities. If necessary, some blood tests may be requested before the procedure.

2) Preparation and implementation

• The IV can be started and monitoring is done for follow-up (pulse, blood pressure, oxygen).
• If sedation is not planned, a local anesthetic spray can be applied to the throat.
• The endoscope is advanced through the mouth to visualize the esophagus-stomach-twelve duodenum.
• If a suspicious area is seen, a biopsy may be taken. Taking a biopsy is usually not painful; the tissue sample is taken with a small forceps.

3) How long does it take?

the answer to the question “**How many minutes does an endoscopy take?” depends on the type of procedure, whether a biopsy is taken and the technical requirements. Most gastroscopies are short, but it is normal to spend longer in the clinic with preparation and rest time.

Does endoscopy hurt?

it is difficult to answer the question “**Does endoscopy hurt?” with a clear one-sentence answer, because the sedated/non-sedated experience is different. In non-sedated endoscopy, there may be a gag reflex and discomfort. when sleeping endoscopy is preferred, most people do not remember the procedure or undergo it with minimal discomfort.

What is Endoscopy with Sedation? Who is it Suitable for?

Sleeping endoscopy is the application of sedation to increase patient comfort during endoscopy. It may also be popularly referred to as “endoscopy with anesthesia”; however, the level of application depends on the individual and the protocol of the center.

What is the purpose of sedation?

• Reducing gag reflex and anxiety
• Increase process comfort
• Enabling the doctor to perform a more comfortable and detailed examination

Who is more recommended?

• Those with a severe gag reflex
• Those who experience intense anxiety
• Previous difficulties with endoscopy without sedation
• Those planning additional procedures (multiple biopsies, etc.)

What is done for safety?

Respiration and circulation are closely monitored during sedation. Therefore, it is important that the center has appropriate equipment, an experienced team and an intervention plan if necessary. Whether sedation is appropriate for everyone depends on age, comorbidities, medications and previous anesthesia history.

Important warnings after sedation

Discharge is usually possible on the same day after anesthetized endoscopy; however:

• you may be asked to come with a companion.
• You are advised not to drive or make important decisions on the same day.
• You are expected to rest for the time specified by your doctor.

Related content: For more on sedation and procedure safety, please see our article what is sedation?.

Preparation Before Endoscopy and Considerations After Endoscopy

This section covers two of the topics with the highest search intention: preparation before endoscopy and post-endoscopy process.

Preparation before endoscopy: Fasting, water, medications

Although it may vary according to the center, the general principles are as follows:

• You are asked to starve for a certain period of time before the procedure. be sure to confirm the answer to the question “How many hours should you fast before endoscopy?” from the place where you make an appointment.
• “Can I drink water before endoscopy?” also depends on the protocol; most centers may restrict water after a certain time.
• if you are taking blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, etc.), be sure to inform this in advance. Do not stop the medicine yourself; the decision should be made by the doctor.
• If you are taking diabetes medication/insulin, you may need a special plan according to the fasting period.

Common mistakes:

• Chewing gum, smoking, eating “a little something”
• Using herbal tea/supplementary food supplements without a doctor’s knowledge
• Ignoring the need for an accompanying person (especially if endoscopy with sedation is planned)

After endoscopy: Normal and warning signs

The most common conditions after the procedure, usually resolving in a short time:

• Mild pain/burning in the throat
• Gas and bloating
• Drowsiness, drowsiness if sedated

the answer to the question “When can I eat after endoscopy?” depends on the relief of throat numbness and your doctor’s recommendation. It is usually started with light liquids such as water, then normal nutrition is switched to as tolerated.

In case of the following symptoms, contact your healthcare provider without delay:

• Severe abdominal pain, increasing tenderness
• Bloody vomiting or vomiting with the appearance of coffee grounds
• Black tarry stools, marked rectal bleeding
• High fever, chills
• Shortness of breath, fainting

When Do I Get Endoscopy Results? What Happens if a Biopsy is Taken? (Price and Short Guide to Istanbul)

When are the results available?

Most of the time after endoscopy, your doctor will share the imaging findings on the same day and a preliminary report can be issued. However, if a biopsy was taken, the tissue sample goes to pathology. the answer to the question “**When is the endoscopy result available?” varies here: Depending on the functioning of the center, the pathology period may extend from a few days to a longer period of time. The interpretation of the result should be evaluated by your doctor in conjunction with your complaints, examination findings and other tests.

Are there risks of endoscopy?

As with any medical procedure, endoscopy has risks; however, serious complications are generally rare. Possible risks can be summarized as bleeding due to the biopsy area, very rarely perforation and respiratory/circulatory problems due to sedation. Remember that the risk varies according to the individual; therefore, pre-procedure assessment is very important.

Endoscopy prices (2026): What determines them?

“Endoscopy prices” cannot be stated with a single number because there are many variables that affect the price:

• Whether or not sedated endoscopy (sedation/anesthesia) is applied
• Biopsy and pathology fees
• Hospital/clinic equipment, city, physician experience
• SSI/private insurance coverage, need for additional tests

For the most accurate price information; it would be healthy to get information from the center after your complaint, additional diseases and the planned procedure (biopsy, sedation, etc.) are clarified.

If you are considering endoscopy in Istanbul

practical selection criteria for those searching “Istanbul endoscopy”:

• Sterilization processes and patient safety protocols
• Anesthesia team and monitoring if sedation is applied
• Speed of reporting and transparency of biopsy/pathology result processes
• Experience of the doctor and referral plan for further examination/treatment when necessary

Related content: For general information about digestive system scans, you can also check our article what is colonoscopy?.

Quick answers to frequently asked questions (mini summary):

• **Endoscopy can be uncomfortable without sedation; endoscopy with sedation increases comfort.
• **Most gastroscopies are short; total clinic time may be longer.
• **If sedation is given, it is generally not recommended on the same day.
• **What happens if a biopsy is taken? Pathology evaluation is required; result time varies according to the center.

If you wish, we can share the “Pre-endoscopy preparation checklist” in a downloadable format in the next content.