Endoscopy Test and Cost in India

Endoscopy Test: Types, Procedure, Uses and Cost in India

What Is an Endoscopy Test?

An endoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the inside of the body using an instrument called an endoscope. It is commonly used to investigate problems in the digestive tract and may also help diagnose conditions affecting other organs.

An endoscope is a thin tube with a light and camera that transmits images to a screen. Depending on the type of endoscopy, doctors may also collect tissue samples for testing or perform certain treatments during the procedure.

Many endoscopic procedures are performed as day-care procedures, allowing patients to return home on the same day. However, the recovery and discharge time depend on the procedure, sedation and individual health.

What Happens During an Endoscopy Test?

Preparing for an Endoscopy

Preparation depends on the type of endoscopy. Before an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, patients are usually asked to avoid food and drinks for a specified period. A colonoscopy generally requires bowel preparation with prescribed laxatives and dietary changes to clear the large intestine.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, especially blood thinners such as warfarin or clopidogrel, as well as any allergies or existing medical conditions. Do not stop or adjust prescribed medicines unless your healthcare team instructs you to do so.

During an Endoscopy

The procedure varies according to the area being examined. For an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, the doctor usually passes the endoscope through the mouth into the oesophagus, stomach and upper small intestine. Other procedures may use the rectum, urinary opening or another access point.

Depending on the procedure, patients may receive a local anaesthetic, a sedative or another form of anaesthesia. Some discomfort, pressure, bloating or a sore throat may occur, but the experience varies from person to person.

A diagnostic upper endoscopy often takes around 15–30 minutes, although some procedures take longer. The total time depends on the purpose of the examination and whether tissue samples or treatments are required.

After an Endoscopy

After sedation, patients are monitored until they are sufficiently recovered. They may need to rest for a few hours and arrange for someone to take them home. Driving, operating machinery and making important decisions are generally restricted for the period specified by the healthcare team.

Patients who do not receive sedation may recover more quickly, but discharge instructions depend on the procedure performed. Follow the doctor’s advice about eating, drinking and resuming regular activities.

Why Do Doctors Recommend an Endoscopy Test?

Doctors may recommend an endoscopy to investigate symptoms, confirm a diagnosis, collect tissue samples or perform certain treatments. Common reasons include:

• Difficulty swallowing, including suspected oesophageal narrowing or achalasia.
• Persistent or recurring abdominal pain.
• Ongoing nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Persistent heartburn, acid reflux or indigestion.
• Blood in the stool or suspected gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Suspected stomach or intestinal ulcers, polyps or other abnormalities.
• Evaluation of certain causes of obstructive jaundice using specialised endoscopic procedures.

The type of endoscopy recommended depends on the symptoms, medical history and suspected condition. Not every symptom requires an endoscopy; a doctor may recommend blood tests, imaging or other investigations first.

What Are the Types of Endoscopy?

Different types of endoscopy are used to examine specific organs and body systems.

• Gastroscopy (upper gastrointestinal endoscopy): Examines the oesophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine.
• Colonoscopy: Examines the large intestine and may help identify inflammation, polyps, bleeding or other abnormalities.
• Bronchoscopy: Examines the airways and may be recommended to investigate persistent cough, coughing up blood or certain lung abnormalities.
• Hysteroscopy: Allows a gynaecologist to examine the inside of the uterus. It may help investigate abnormal uterine bleeding or identify abnormalities within the uterine cavity. Learn more about hysteroscopy and irregular periods.
• Cystoscopy: Examines the inside of the bladder and urethra. It may be recommended for symptoms such as blood in the urine or certain urinary problems.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy: Examines the rectum and lower part of the large intestine.
• Endoscopic ultrasound: Combines an endoscope with ultrasound imaging to examine structures such as the pancreas and surrounding tissues. It can also help guide tissue sampling.
• Wireless capsule endoscopy: Uses a small, swallowable capsule containing a camera to capture images of the digestive tract, particularly the small intestine.

Endoscopic techniques are also used during certain treatments and surgical procedures. For example, laparoscopic surgery uses a camera and specialised instruments inserted through small incisions, while arthroscopy is used to examine and treat problems inside a joint.

What Is the Cost of an Endoscopy in India?

The cost of an endoscopy in India varies according to the type of procedure, hospital, city, anaesthesia or sedation, biopsy requirements and any additional treatment. The following figures are estimates from the supplied cost data and should be verified with the healthcare provider before publication or use.

Ask the hospital for an itemised estimate covering consultation, the procedure, sedation, biopsy or laboratory testing, and any additional charges. Insurance coverage depends on your policy and the procedure’s medical indication; confirm eligibility and documentation requirements with your insurer.

When Is an Endoscopy Recommended?

A doctor may recommend endoscopy after reviewing symptoms, medical history, physical examination and initial test results. The appropriate procedure depends on the suspected condition.

Examples of conditions that may require endoscopic evaluation or a related specialised procedure include:

• Stomach or duodenal ulcers.
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when further investigation is indicated.
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
• Chronic constipation when specific warning signs or clinical findings warrant further investigation.
• Gallstones or bile duct obstruction, which may require specialised procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
• Hernia, which is usually assessed through a physical examination and imaging rather than routine endoscopy.

Vaginal bleeding and blood in the urine are not routine indications for digestive endoscopy. They may require separate gynaecological or urinary tract investigations, depending on the suspected cause.

Endoscopy can help doctors identify inflammation, ulcers, bleeding, polyps and other abnormalities. During some procedures, the doctor can collect small tissue samples for microscopic examination or remove certain abnormal growths. The findings help guide further diagnosis and treatment.