No. At our center, diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures are typically performed under conscious sedation (short-acting sleep-inducing medication) administered by an anesthesiologist. Patients do not feel pain or discomfort during the procedure and wake up comfortably shortly afterward.

Patients must fast (no food or liquids) for at least 6 to 8 hours prior to an upper endoscopy to ensure the stomach is completely empty for clear visualization and to prevent any aspiration risk.

A clean colon is essential for accurate visualization. Patients are prescribed a special oral bowel-cleansing solution (such as polyethylene glycol) to take the evening before or morning of the procedure, along with a clear liquid diet.

Diagnostic endoscopy focuses on visual inspection, biopsy, and identifying the cause of symptoms (such as ulcers, inflammation, or tumors). Therapeutic endoscopy goes beyond diagnosis to actively treat conditions during the same session—such as removing polyps, stopping bleeding, dilating strictures, or removing bile duct stones.

Most diagnostic endoscopies, colonoscopies, and routine polypectomies are daycare procedures. Patients are observed in our recovery lounge for 1 to 2 hours until the sedative wears off, after which they can return home the same day with a family member.