Endoscopy is looking into the gastro-intestinal system with cameras -- and EGD or Colonoscopy. 

An EGD uses a scope to look into the Esophagus, Stomach (Gastrium), and Duodenum.  We can take biopsies of irregular-looking tissue through the scope, too.  This is usually done for outpatients to evaluate for damage from reflux or in the course of evaluating abdominal pain.  It can be done emergently for bleeding patients in the hospital, also.  Usually the patient is sedated for the procedure, so you'll need a driver to take you home, and maybe spend some time with you until you're fully awake again.  You cannot drive the day of the procedure and you should not be the caregiver for any other person.  Most people return to normal activity the day after the procedure.

A colonoscopy is done to inspect the colon for polyps.  This procedure is usually scheduled when one reaches the age of 50, or ten years earlier than an immediate family member's age at the time of a diagnosis of colon cancer.  You require a prep for the procedure to clean the colon of stool.  This procedure allows for the early detection of polyps, which may turn into cancer -- thereby preventing cancer!  Although a prep can be unpleasant, having cancer is much worse.  Usually the patient is sedated for the procedure, so you'll need a driver to take you home, and maybe spend some time with you until you're fully awake again.  You cannot drive the day of the procedure and you should not be the caregiver for any other person.  Most people return to normal activity the day after the procedure.

These procedures are usually performed on the first floor of the HealthPark building on MetroHealth's campus.