Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy

A gastroscopy examines the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. A colonoscopy, on the other hand, examines the entire colon and the final sections of the small intestine. Both procedures help investigate digestive symptoms, but they focus on different parts of the digestive tract.

Yes, this is possible and is often recommended if symptoms affect both the upper and lower digestive tract. This saves time and means you only need to prepare once.

To ensure the examination runs smoothly and allows for accurate assessment, some preparation is required — but don’t worry, we will guide you step by step.

• Please do not eat anything for 6 hours before the examination.
• Up to 2 hours before the procedure, you may drink clear, fat-free liquids such as water or tea (no milk).
• You will receive a laxative (e.g. Cololyt or Picoprep) to thoroughly cleanse the bowel.
• A few days beforehand, you should avoid high-fiber foods, dairy products, vegetables, and fruit — especially foods with seeds.
• On the day before the examination, please consume clear liquids only.

You will, of course, receive all preparation details from us in advance — either in person at the clinic or conveniently in digital form. This way, you can arrive for your examination well prepared and relaxed.

No, combined upper and lower endoscopy is not performed under general anesthesia. Instead, you will receive a sedative that calms you and makes the examination comfortable. Sedation is standard for both gastroscopy and colonoscopy unless you explicitly request otherwise. When both procedures are performed together, sedation is generally recommended so that the examination is relaxed and pain-free. We will discuss your wishes and medical conditions with you in detail beforehand.

All information regarding sedation and the procedure will be provided in an informed consent form, which you must sign no later than one day before your appointment. This ensures that you are well informed and prepared.

Yes, in most cases you will receive a light sedative via an intravenous line, making the examination as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

The duration of an endoscopy depends on the type of examination and your individual situation. As a general guide:

• Gastroscopy: approximately 10–20 minutes
• Colonoscopy: approximately 20–45 minutes

Additional time is needed for preparation and recovery. Overall, you should plan for about 1 to 2 hours. Sometimes it is faster, sometimes it takes a bit longer.

If you are being picked up by an accompanying person, we are happy to inform them about the procedure and the approximate duration — according to your wishes.

Yes, after the procedure you will remain at the clinic for a short recovery and observation period. The exact duration depends on how quickly you recover from the sedative, which varies from person to person.

Afterwards, you may go home, but you must not drive a car, motorcycle, bicycle, or e-scooter yourself. It is best to arrange an accompanying person in advance. If this is not possible, we are happy to help you arrange a taxi.

The doctor will share initial findings with you right away. If tissue samples were taken, laboratory analysis takes several days. The results will then be discussed with you either in person or by phone.

No. After receiving sedative medication, you must not drive for 12 hours — whether a car, motorcycle, bicycle, or e-scooter. You must also not sign any contracts. Please arrange for an accompanying person or use public transportation.