An endoscopy uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end to look inside the digestive tract. It can explain symptoms such as persistent heartburn or indigestion, difficulty swallowing, unexplained stomach pain or bleeding — and some problems can be treated during the same procedure.
At Hamat Healthcare, endoscopy is performed in our own operating theatre by our general surgeon and endoscopist. Procedures are scheduled with your surgeon — book an assessment, or call or WhatsApp +254 721 600700.
Before the procedure
- Follow the instructions you are given. You will usually be asked not to eat for several hours beforehand so that your stomach is empty. For some procedures you will also be given a preparation to clear the bowel. It usually starts the day before, sometimes with a second dose on the morning of the test — take every dose exactly as instructed, or the test may have to be repeated. Your team will tell you exactly what to do, and when.
- Tell us about your medicines when you book — especially blood thinners, diabetes medicines and iron tablets, which sometimes need adjusting several days in advance. Do not stop or change any medicine unless your doctor advises it.
- Arrange for someone to take you home if you are having sedation.
On the day
The team will explain the procedure and ask for your consent. You may be offered sedation to help you relax, and your breathing, pulse and oxygen levels are monitored throughout. Many endoscopies take less than half an hour, but allow extra time for preparation and recovery.
Afterwards
- You rest until the sedation wears off. If your throat was numbed with a spray, do not eat or drink for about an hour, until the feeling has fully come back. You may feel a little bloated, or have a mild sore throat for a few hours.
- If you had sedation, have a responsible adult stay with you for the next 24 hours, and for that time do not drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery or sign important documents.
- Your doctor will explain what was found. If small samples (biopsies) were taken, those results follow later.
When to call us
Come straight to casualty — open 24 hours a day, every day — or call +254 721 600700 on the way, if after an endoscopy you have severe or worsening pain in your tummy, chest or neck, a fever or shivering, repeated vomiting or vomiting blood, black, tarry or bloody stools, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
This article is general information, not medical advice for your own procedure. The instructions from your own surgical team always take priority — if you are unsure about anything, call +254 721 600700.