Diagnostic & Therapeutic Endoscopy in Dubai
Medically reviewed by Dr. Meisam Lund, Consultant General Surgeon, American Hospital Dubai
Quick answer
Endoscopy uses a thin, flexible camera to examine the stomach, bowel or oesophagus directly, allowing many conditions to be diagnosed, and in some cases treated, without any surgical incision at all. Most procedures are day cases with a short recovery.
What is endoscopy?
Endoscopy involves passing a thin, flexible camera through the mouth (upper endoscopy/gastroscopy) or through the back passage (colonoscopy) to examine the digestive tract directly. It is one of the most effective ways to investigate symptoms like reflux, stomach pain, or changes in bowel habit, and can often treat what it finds in the same session.
When endoscopy is recommended
Persistent reflux or heartburn, difficulty swallowing, unexplained abdominal pain, blood in the stool, or a family history that warrants screening are all common reasons for endoscopy. It is also used to follow up on previous findings, such as polyps, to make sure nothing has changed.
Diagnostic and therapeutic uses
Beyond diagnosis, endoscopy can often treat what it finds in the same procedure, removing polyps, taking biopsies, or controlling minor bleeding, without the need for a separate surgical operation.
What to expect
Most endoscopic procedures are day cases performed under sedation, typically taking between 15 and 45 minutes depending on what is involved. Most patients go home the same day and return to normal activity within 24 hours.
Why choose Dr. Meisam Lund
Dr. Lund is a Swedish Board-Certified Consultant General Surgeon, board-certified since 2013, practising at American Hospital Dubai, and uses endoscopy as a central tool for giving patients a clear, confident answer about what is actually happening before any further decision is made.
Frequently asked questions
Is endoscopy painful?
Endoscopy is performed under sedation, so most patients feel little to nothing during the procedure itself, with only mild throat discomfort or bloating afterward in some cases.
How long does an endoscopy take?
Most procedures take between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on what is being examined or treated, with most patients home the same day.
What is the difference between a gastroscopy and a colonoscopy?
A gastroscopy examines the oesophagus, stomach and top of the small intestine via the mouth; a colonoscopy examines the large intestine via the back passage. Both use the same type of flexible camera.
Think you may need endoscopy surgery?
Call American Hospital Dubai to book a consultation with Dr. Meisam, or try the pre-visit symptom checker on the homepage first.
Call 800 24392This page is general educational information, not a medical diagnosis. It may not cover every situation, and Dr. Meisam may ask further questions in person to confirm what applies to you. If you have concerning symptoms, seek in-person medical advice.