An endoscopy is a medical procedure that involves inserting a long, flexible tube with a camera, called an endoscope, into the body to visualize the internal organs. When a biopsy is performed during an endoscopy, a small tissue sample is collected for examination under a microscope. While the concept of a biopsy might sound uncomfortable, the procedure itself is typically not felt by the patient.
Sensations During the Procedure
During an endoscopy with biopsy, patients generally do not experience pain from the tissue collection itself. Internal organs, such as the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, possess very few pain receptors compared to the skin. While these organs detect changes like pressure or stretching, they do not register sharp, localized pain. Therefore, taking a small tissue biopsy from these areas is usually imperceptible.
Patients are given sedation, which ensures comfort and lack of awareness during the procedure. Conscious sedation allows patients to remain relaxed and drowsy, often with little to no memory of the procedure. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used, rendering the patient completely unconscious. This combination of the body’s natural characteristics and sedatives ensures the biopsy itself is not painful.
Post-Procedure Discomfort
While the biopsy itself is not painful, patients may experience mild, temporary discomfort after the endoscopy once sedation wears off. For an upper endoscopy, which examines the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, a sore throat is common. This irritation occurs because the endoscope passes through the throat, causing temporary irritation to sensitive tissues. This discomfort resolves within 24 to 48 hours.
For procedures like a colonoscopy, which examines the large intestine, patients may experience bloating, gas, or mild cramping. These sensations arise from air or carbon dioxide introduced into the digestive tract to expand it for better visualization. This trapped gas can cause temporary fullness and pressure. These post-procedure symptoms are minor and subside within a few hours to a day as the body expels the air.
Managing Your Comfort
Medical professionals employ various strategies to ensure patient comfort throughout the endoscopy and biopsy. Sedation is a primary method, with options ranging from moderate (conscious) sedation to general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s needs and procedure type. Moderate sedation is often administered intravenously. For upper endoscopies, a local anesthetic spray, such as lidocaine, may be applied to the back of the throat to numb the area and minimize the gag reflex during scope insertion.
After the procedure, healthcare teams provide advice for managing any residual mild discomfort. For a sore throat, gargling with warm salt water, sucking on lozenges, or drinking warm liquids like tea can offer relief. To alleviate gas and bloating, gentle walking can help expel trapped air. Warm compresses on the abdomen, warm drinks, and avoiding gas-producing foods can also contribute to comfort. These measures are routinely implemented to support a smooth and comfortable recovery.