Frequently asked questions — Digestive Endoscopy

No. All endoscopies require a prior medical referral from a gastroenterology specialist. If you have digestive complaints, the first step is to see a gastroenterologist who will assess your symptoms and refer you for the appropriate procedure.

In our service all procedures are performed under sedation. With sedation, the procedure is painless and the vast majority of patients have no memory of it whatsoever. Sedation is the standard, not an option.

Sedation is administered intravenously and supervised by qualified staff throughout the entire procedure, ensuring maximum safety. The patient falls asleep within a minute and wakes in the recovery room with no memory of the examination.

For gastroscopy and endosonography: complete fasting for at least 8 hours (no food, drink or medication, including water). For colonoscopy: bowel preparation the day before, completed at least 4 hours before your appointment.

Most medications can be taken with a small sip of water at least 2 hours before the procedure. Important exceptions: anticoagulants, antiplatelets, insulin and antidiabetics require specific instructions. Notify the service when booking.

Yes, if you will receive sedation. You cannot drive or use public transport alone for the following 12–24 hours. The companion must wait at the hospital during the procedure.

Gastroscopy: 1.5 to 2 hours. Colonoscopy: 2 to 3 hours. ERCP: may be longer depending on complexity. The procedure itself lasts 15 to 45 minutes; the rest is preparation, sedation and recovery.

After gastroscopy: approximately 1 hour after waking from sedation, starting with liquids. After colonoscopy without polypectomy: as soon as you have recovered from sedation. With polypectomy: light diet for 24–48 hours as advised by the endoscopist.

The endoscopy report is handed to you within minutes of finishing the procedure. If biopsies were taken, pathology results are available within 7 to 10 days.

It is removed during the same procedure (polypectomy) and sent to pathology. Follow-up interval will be determined based on pathology results. No additional surgery is required.

Yes, mild bloating and gas are common in the hours after colonoscopy. They are caused by air introduced during the examination and resolve on their own. Walking helps.

Yes. Mild soreness for 24 to 48 hours is normal and resolves without treatment.

We work with: Sanitas, Adeslas, Asisa, DKV, Aegon, Allianz, AXA, Agrupació Mútua, Caser, Cigna, Divina Pastora, Línea Directa, Vivaz, HNA, MUSA (Nueva Mutua Sanitaria), Mutua General de Catalunya (MGC), Mutua Granollers, Mutua Manresana (MutuaCat) and Occident. We also accept reimbursement insurance patients and self-paying patients. If your insurer is not on the list, call us to check.

Yes. We see self-paying patients. Procedure costs vary depending on the type, sedation and any samples taken. Call +34 93 219 26 58 for an indicative quote.

Call +34 93 219 26 58 — direct line to the Digestive Endoscopy Service. You will need your medical referral and insurance details ready.

+34 93 219 26 58 is the direct line to the Digestive Endoscopy Service. When you call, you are answered directly by our team — not a general switchboard. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00–20:00.

Yes. Endoscopy requires a medical referral. If you have digestive complaints and have not yet seen a specialist, the first step is a gastroenterologist's consultation.

Gastroscopy, colonoscopy, endosonography (EUS) and ERCP. Our service is dedicated exclusively to digestive endoscopy, with specialised focus on endoscopic diagnosis and therapeutics.