"Double Dip" - endoscopy and colonoscopy at same time?

[bryan3536]

My GI recommended an upper endoscopy and colonoscopy to take a look at my recurring acid reflux and fairly regular (monthly) rectal bleeding (he suspects hemroidal in nature).  He suggested that they be done in seperate procedures on two different days because, according to him, the preparation for the colonoscopy can make my upper tract appear raw, etc.

I mentioned this to my good friend, a GI resident, and she said that these procedures are routinely done together and didn't think this would be an issue at all - she didn't know why my GI would make that recommendation.

I'm pretty leery about getting put out, so if it's going to happen, I'd prefer it happen once - not twice.  If there is no medical need for me to do this in two seperate procedures, I'd rather get it done all at once.  

So, my question is whether there is any reason why I can't have these procedures done together, i.e., is there any validity to the notion that the preparation for the colonoscopy can skew the results of my endoscopy?

Many thanks!

[bryan3536]

Thanks to everyone for their responses.  I am going to raise the issue with my GI and ask to have both procedures go forward at the same time - I don't want to be sedated twice if I don't have to be.

I would still love to hear from a GI on this, though, if anyone is out there . . .

[Joycie_767]

Not a Dr but I have excellent docs in an excellent hospital.  2 yrs ago (age 64 - not that young ;-)) I had them done together.  Now I am have both again on Tuesday.   Re: sedation - when I needed only an endoscopy I was completely asleep - not twilight.   When I have needed a colonscopy only - that's when it was aware but sedated.

[April2]

I had them both done at the same time with no problems at all. I didn't have a sore throat or anything. Like you, I think it makes more sense to get them both done together so that you only have to be sedated, etc. once. I think most doctor's want them done seperately because they get paid more that way.

[giupset]

I had both done at the same time in March with no problem.  My dr. said they are commonly done at the same time.  My only difficulty was the prep for the colonoscopy.  It was difficult to drink the prep solution because I was having trouble with nausea and vomiting at the time.  After the procedures, I woke up feeling fine.  The endoscopy caused minor pinching like sensations for a few day.

[bryan3536]

Thanks for recounting your experience.  I've been doing some informal polling around my office, and those who have had the procedures give me stories similar to yours - docs schedule them seperately, but if you ask for them to be done at the same time the GI's usually don't oppose it.  

Would love to hear from a doctor on the issue.  Anyone?

[pabrown38821]

I just had both procedures done the 24th of last month the doctor told me they usually do the tests seperate he gave me no reason why but i don't like to go 2 times so i asked him to do both at the same time and he did....i got the results back and everything is working as it should so he sent me for a gall bladder test and my test showed that my gall bladder is working but i am having pain when it spasms so now i am scheduled for a nuclear stomach test to see if my stomach is emptying out as it should i wish the best with your tests

[bryan3536]

Thanks for the response.  Thing is, I already need both, so I'll be doing the prep for the colonoscopy either way (the prep for the endo is simply no food after midnight) - that unpleasantness isn't going to be avoided.  So, if I'm already out for one procedure it makes little sense to me for them not to do the second procedure at the same time.  

From what I've been reading, they are routinely done together - I'm trying to find some medical justification for getting put out twice, instead of once.  Unfortunately the only reason I can think of is that the insurance reimbursement is going to be significantly less if the procedures are combined - I'd hate to think that decisions are being made for me on this basis, which is why I am looking to this group.  My GI friend could think of no reason not to do both at once, so I'm hoping the community here can come up with an answer.

Thanks.