Fatima, a 55-year-old teacher from Riyadh, had been experiencing persistent heartburn and upper abdominal discomfort for months. Her gastroenterologist recommended an upper endoscopy to rule out Barrett’s esophagus. In Saudi Arabia’s public system, the wait for a non-urgent endoscopy was 8 to 12 weeks. “I couldn’t eat properly. I was losing weight. Every day I worried about what might be growing inside me,” Fatima said. She contacted myMedVia. Within 72 hours of her arrival in China, her endoscopy was complete, the biopsy results were being analyzed, and she had a clear diagnosis.

Gastroscopy and colonoscopy are among the most commonly performed procedures worldwide. In China, they are also among the fastest to access. Here is exactly what a same-day endoscopy looks like with myMedVia.

Pre-Procedure: What Happens Before You Arrive

Day –7 to –3: Pre-arrival coordination

Your myMedVia coordinator reviews your medical history, current medications, and any contraindications. You receive detailed preparation instructions — for colonoscopy, this includes bowel preparation protocols and dietary restrictions. For gastroscopy, you are advised on fasting requirements (typically 6–8 hours).

Source: Chinese Digestive Endoscopy Society — pre-procedure guidelines for international patients

The Procedure Day: Hour-by-Hour Timeline

7:00 AM — Arrival at the Endoscopy Center

You arrive at the hospital’s endoscopy unit. A bilingual nurse greets you and completes registration. Vital signs are recorded. You change into a hospital gown.

7:30 AM — Pre-Procedure Assessment

The anesthesiologist reviews your medical history and explains sedation options. For gastroscopy, most patients choose conscious sedation (midazolam + propofol). For colonoscopy, deeper sedation is commonly used. You sign the consent form.

8:00 AM — The Procedure

Gastroscopy: You lie on your left side. A mouth guard is placed. The endoscope is passed through the esophagus into the stomach and duodenum. The doctor examines the mucosa, takes biopsies if needed, and photographs any abnormalities. Total time: 10–20 minutes.

Colonoscopy: You lie on your left side. The colonoscope is inserted via the rectum and advanced through the entire colon to the cecum. The doctor examines the colonic mucosa, removes polyps if found, and takes biopsies. Total time: 20–40 minutes.

Gastroscopy + Colonoscopy (combined): Performed in a single session under sedation. Total time: 30–50 minutes.

Source: Chinese Journal of Digestive Endoscopy, 2023 — procedural standards

8:45 AM — Recovery Room

You are moved to the recovery area. Vital signs are monitored for 30–60 minutes. Most patients wake up within 10–15 minutes of sedation cessation. Mild bloating or sore throat is normal. You are offered water when fully awake.

10:00 AM — Results Discussion

The gastroenterologist meets with you and your family member or myMedVia translator. Preliminary findings are explained verbally. For gastroscopy: any ulcers, erosions, or suspicious lesions are shown on screen. For colonoscopy: polyp size, number, and location are documented. Biopsy results typically take 3–5 working days.

Source: JCI-accredited endoscopy centers — post-procedure communication standards

11:00 AM — Discharge

You are discharged with written instructions. For sedation patients: no driving for 24 hours, no heavy machinery, no important decisions. You return to your hotel or myMedVia-assisted recovery accommodation to rest.

What About Biopsy Results?

Biopsy specimens are processed in the hospital’s pathology lab: – Routine histology: 3–5 working days – Immunohistochemistry (if needed): 5–7 working days – H. pylori testing: Available during the procedure (rapid urease test, result in 1 hour)

Results are shared via myMedVia’s secure portal. If significant findings require treatment (e.g., H. pylori eradication, polyp removal, early cancer referral), your case is immediately escalated to the appropriate specialist.

Source: Chinese Pathology Association — standard tissue processing timelines

Comparison: Endoscopy Wait Times by Country