Being advised to undergo an endoscopy often leads to practical questions. Why is the procedure necessary? Will sedation be used? Can a biopsy be taken? What happens if the doctor finds a polyp or another abnormality?
Choosing an endoscopy specialist should therefore involve understanding both the doctor performing the procedure and the process surrounding it.
Start With the Reason for Endoscopy
Endoscopy should answer a clinical question.
Upper GI endoscopy may be considered for selected patients with persistent upper digestive symptoms, swallowing difficulties, gastrointestinal bleeding or other concerning findings.
Colonoscopy evaluates the lower gastrointestinal tract and may be used for rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, inflammatory bowel disease evaluation, polyp detection and colorectal cancer screening in appropriate patients.
Understanding why your procedure is being recommended is the first step.
Ask What Type of Endoscopy You Need
"Endoscopy" is a broad term rather than one single test.
Procedures include:
Upper GI endoscopy
Colonoscopy
Flexible sigmoidoscopy
Capsule endoscopy
Endoscopic ultrasound
ERCP
Each has a different purpose. A patient should know the exact procedure being planned rather than simply being told to have a "scope."
Understand Preparation Instructions
Preparation affects both safety and examination quality.
Upper endoscopy generally requires fasting. Colonoscopy requires bowel preparation so the lining of the colon can be adequately visualised.
Patients should disclose current medicines, allergies and relevant health conditions before the procedure. Instructions about medicines should come from the treating team rather than being changed independently.
Ask About Diagnostic and Therapeutic Capabilities
Endoscopy can do more than identify abnormalities.
Depending on the procedure and finding, an endoscopist may obtain a biopsy, remove a polyp or carry out selected therapeutic interventions.
Knowing what can be performed during the planned procedure helps patients understand the scope of care.
Review the Endoscopist's Training and Experience
Qualifications in gastroenterology and experience with the specific procedure are important considerations.
Dr Ravindra Surude is an MD (Medicine), DM (Gastroenterology) consultant and endoscopist practising in Borivali. His listed procedural work includes upper GI endoscopy, colonoscopy, ERCP, EUS, capsule endoscopy and therapeutic endoscopic techniques.
His Borivali practice provides gastrointestinal and endoscopy services for patients across the Mumbai region.
Know What Happens Afterward
Before leaving the facility, patients should know when normal eating can resume, whether someone needs to accompany them after sedation, when reports will be available and what symptoms require medical attention.
If a biopsy is taken, the endoscopy findings and pathology results may need to be discussed separately.
A Useful Pre-Procedure Checklist
Before an endoscopy in Borivali Mumbai, confirm the procedure name, reason for testing, fasting or bowel preparation instructions, medication guidance, sedation plan and follow-up process.
Endoscopy is most useful when patients understand why it is being performed and how the result will influence subsequent care.
Rather than selecting a facility solely because it is nearby, consider the specialist's qualifications, relevant procedural expertise and ability to provide appropriate follow-up if the procedure identifies a condition requiring treatment.
