Endoscopy: Definition and Procedure

What is Endoscopy and How is it Performed?

It is a procedure performed with a device equipped with a small light source and camera at its tip, used in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal system diseases. This device is called an Endoscope. The region from the mouth, where chewing, digestion, absorption, and elimination processes occur, to the anus is called the Gastrointestinal System. Endoscopy is the most reliable method for diagnosing and treating disorders of this system.

Individuals experiencing gastrointestinal system problems must consult a specialized surgeon or gastroenterologist in their field. This is because consulting experts in the field is necessary to obtain faster and more definitive solutions in the treatment of these diseases.

What is Gastric Endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a procedure performed when people experience abnormal conditions in the stomach, esophagus, and duodenum, and provides effective results. The procedure performed in conditions affecting the digestive system such as bitter water coming to the mouth, throat burning, heartburn, and vomiting is Gastric Endoscopy.

The endoscopic examination performed in these and similar health problems provides the fastest and most reliable results to the patient. With technological advancement, solutions are being found for many diseases. Like in all other fields, this technology has made great advances in medicine and reached today's technology level. In particular, devices used in the field of endoscopy play an important role in early diagnosis and treatment of serious diseases.

Thanks to the camera and light at its tip, the flexible device used in diagnosing unwanted diseases such as cysts, ulcers, and tumors in the Gastrointestinal System has managed to save many lives to date. These state-of-the-art devices are produced to be extremely flexible so that the patient does not feel uncomfortable or pain. However, in some cases, if the patient requests, gastric endoscopy treatment can be performed under mild anesthesia.

How is Endoscopy Performed?

As briefly mentioned above, endoscopy is the examination of the Gastrointestinal System from the stomach to the anus using a tube approximately 8-10 mm in diameter, equipped with light and camera at its tip, called an endoscope.

Although the idea of endoscopy treatment—with a device being inserted through the mouth down to the stomach—frightens many people, it is actually not a treatment method to be feared. With the information about how the treatment is performed, which we will explain shortly, you can also decide to undergo this treatment without feeling pain or discomfort.

First, one of the most important concerns that frightens a person is the sensation of nausea from the moment the device touches the throat. However, since doctors cannot work comfortably and thoroughly under these conditions, the patient is first lightly sedated with sedoanalgesia medication. A patient who does not wish to be sedated can also undergo the procedure after having medication injected into their throat at their request. In both cases, you will not experience unwanted situations such as pain or discomfort during the procedure.

Subsequently, a bite block is placed in the mouth for comfortable use of the device, and the patient is positioned on their left side before the procedure begins. The patient must not eat or drink anything after 12 midnight the evening before the procedure. Being on an empty stomach facilitates the performance of the treatment. The endoscopy procedure may last between 15-30 minutes depending on the patient's condition. This process may vary somewhat depending on each disease's individual presentation.

Although endoscopy is performed through the mouth, there is also a treatment method called colonoscopy. With this method, the patient's colon is examined. To ensure that both the patient and the doctor performing the treatment feel comfortable, local or general anesthesia is always administered before the procedure.

Again, using a camera-equipped device with a light at its tip, the procedure is performed by entering through the anus and examining the colon and large intestine. Before the procedure, the patient's bowel cleansing is mandatory. During these procedures, the camera projects the image onto a monitor, and the doctor performs the examination this way. During colonoscopy and endoscopy treatment, the patient's vital signs such as heart rate and oxygen levels are monitored.

Endoscopy Prices in Turkey 2026

Turkey is among the preferred countries for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, just as it is for the diagnosis and treatment of every disease. Both the attentiveness and friendly attitude of doctors and staff in hospitals, as well as the fact that doctors are specialized and experienced in their field, explain the reasons for these preferences.

The rapid and accurate answers to questions asked about every treatment performed in Turkey greatly satisfy patients. The convenience provided by Turkey's geographical location, its easy accessibility, the availability of vacation opportunities after the treatment process, and the affordability of both treatment and vacation are also among the reasons for preference.

Regarding 2026 Endoscopy Prices in Turkey, which is among the most frequently asked questions; it would not be appropriate to provide precise pricing information at this stage. Because while disease is individual to each person, differences in the diagnosis and treatment process cause changes in costs. It would be more appropriate to contact authorized personnel for more detailed information.

How Long Does Endoscopy Take?

The duration of endoscopy is among the concerns of every patient. To explain this process: Diseases are individual. For this reason, the process of diagnosis and treatment varies from person to person. However, if we must provide an average duration, the treatment process typically takes between 15-30 minutes, a relatively short period.

After Endoscopy

After endoscopy, people experience a desire to eat due to the condition of prolonged fasting. However, the patient should not immediately turn to eating. It must not be forgotten that despite its short duration, the patient has undergone serious treatment. For this reason, heavy foods should be avoided after treatment. Liquid foods should be preferred over solid foods. Excessively cold, hot, tea, coffee, acidic beverages and similar drinks should not be consumed for a period of time.

After the endoscopy procedure, a throat soreness and pain lasting 1-2 hours may be felt. This condition is normal and will pass. Eating after the procedure should occur 2-3 hours later. Following the procedure, life should continue according to the nutritional recommendations given by the doctor based on any diseases found.

While these are the things that should be done with the endoscopy method, if the procedure performed is colonoscopy, different situations may arise. After colonoscopy, the patient may experience pain. Due to the bowel distension gas given to facilitate the colon examination, pain may be felt after the procedure.

When endoscopy and colonoscopy treatment is performed, since anesthesia will be applied, it is recommended that the patient go to the hospital with a companion.

Why is Endoscopy Performed?

The reason for performing endoscopy varies depending on the patient and the disease. First, it should be understood that endoscopy is performed for early detection purposes even without specific complaints. In these procedures performed as recommended by doctors, early diagnosis can be lifesaving even if the patient has no complaints.

Apart from this, we can explain the reasons for diagnosis and therapeutic purposes.

Endoscopy Performed for Diagnostic Purposes

• Long-lasting stomach pain, gas problems, bloating problems, indigestion,
• Long-lasting nausea complaints, vomiting complaints, reflux complaints, hoarseness, and cough,
• Weight loss, excessive sweating, and high fever accompanying these pains and complaints,
• Difficulty swallowing while eating or drinking,
• Vomiting blood or in coffee ground appearance, defecation in abnormal colors such as black,
• For those with first-degree close relatives diagnosed with stomach or esophageal cancer,
• If you had stomach surgery 15-20 years ago, endoscopy is absolutely necessary for early detection.

To reiterate, since early detection can be lifesaving, endoscopic examination is recommended at regular intervals.

Endoscopy Performed for Therapeutic Purposes

• Early-stage gastric cancer treatment,
• Relief of strictures in the esophagus,
• Removal of foreign objects that have entered the stomach or esophagus,
• Stopping bleeding caused by ulcers,
• Drainage of fluid accumulated within the digestive system,
• Placement of a feeding tube in the stomach for patients unable to eat due to various causes,
• Removal of polyps in the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine.

Complaints After Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a procedure performed with local or general anesthesia, sedoanalgesia medications with the patient lightly sedated, or at the patient's request, with only medication injected into the throat. Due to these procedures, the patient may experience various conditions after endoscopy.

These side effects may include throat pain or soreness, pain and abdominal pain following colonoscopy, and complaints such as fatigue or weakness due to anesthesia.

Since the procedure is simple and short-lasting, the risk level is low when considering general statistics. However, if severe complaints occur after the procedure such as stomach burning, abdominal pain, bleeding, vomiting, or difficulty breathing, a doctor must be consulted immediately.

Eating After Endoscopy

It is not recommended to eat or drink anything for 2 hours following the procedure. Due to prolonged fasting, one should not immediately sit down to eat after 2 hours; light and easily digestible foods should be consumed.

In particular, excessively cold or hot foods, hard-to-digest foods, tea, coffee, and acidic beverages are not recommended.

Following the diagnosis and treatment, nutritional life should resume without ignoring the doctor's recommendations and by adhering to the advice given.

Is Hospital Admission Required After Endoscopy?

Since endoscopy and colonoscopy treatment are 15-30 minute procedures, the patient can go home the same day and does not require hospitalization. However, due to anesthesia applications, it is recommended that the patient wait in the hospital for at least 1 hour until fully recovered.

How is Endoscopy Performed Under Sedation?

To prevent the patient from feeling pain and discomfort and to allow the doctor to work comfortably, patients are generally lightly sedated with sedoanalgesia medications before the procedure begins. While this sleep state lasts about 10 minutes, the doctor begins treatment comfortably and carefully. During the sedation phase, the patient is in a light sleep state and does not feel or remember anything during or after the procedure.

Which Department Performs Endoscopy?

Endoscopy is actually an extremely easy and painless procedure, though many people avoid examination simply out of fear. For these procedures, the patient must go to the hospital's Internal Medicine or Gastroenterology department.

Is Water Consumed Before Endoscopy?

Before endoscopy is performed, from 12 midnight the night before, the patient should not eat anything or drink anything other than water. Water consumption, however, should be limited to prevent unwanted situations such as vomiting during treatment.