Endoscopy · Dubai
Colonoscopy in Dubai
Colonoscopy is how bleeding, a change in bowel habit, or unexplained anaemia are investigated. It is also used for screening, because polyps can be found and removed there and then. Endoscopy is performed at HealthBay Gastroenterology & Digestive Health, Al Wasl Road, Dubai.
Endoscopy Services
Endoscopy procedures at HealthBay
Colonoscopy
A camera examination of the whole colon. If a polyp is found, it can usually be removed in the same session — which is why this is used both for symptoms and for bowel cancer screening.
Gastroscopy (OGD)
Looks at the oesophagus, stomach, and first part of the small bowel from above. Often arranged on the same day if both ends of the gut need checking.
Capsule Endoscopy
A swallowed camera for the small intestine, which a standard endoscope cannot reach. Used when bleeding or other symptoms still have not been explained.
Polyp Detection & Removal
Most polyps come out during the colonoscopy itself. Dye spray (chromoendoscopy) helps pick up flatter lesions that are easier to miss.
Bowel Cancer Screening
From age 45, or earlier with a family history, IBD, or previous polyps. The aim is straightforward: find changes before they become a problem.
Chromoendoscopy
A dye applied during colonoscopy so the lining shows up more clearly. Particularly useful in IBD surveillance and for flat polyps.
Indications
When a colonoscopy is useful
Any of these is a reason to discuss one. The threshold for coming in should be low — these things are usually straightforward to investigate.
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
- Unexplained change in bowel habits
- Persistent abdominal pain or bloating
- Unexplained iron deficiency anaemia
- Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Personal history of colorectal polyps
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) surveillance
- Routine bowel cancer screening (age 45+)
- Positive faecal occult blood test
- Weight loss with bowel symptoms
What to Expect
How the day usually goes
Preparation
The day before, a laxative drink clears the bowel. It is the least comfortable part of the process, and also the most important — a clean bowel means a better look.
Sedation
Sedation is given through a vein. Most people doze through the procedure and remember little of it.
The examination
A flexible camera is passed through the rectum and the whole colon is examined. This usually takes 20 to 40 minutes.
If a polyp is found
It is typically removed in the same session, so a second appointment is not needed for a polyp that was already seen.
Afterwards
An hour or two in recovery, then a conversation about what was seen before you go home. Someone else needs to drive.
FAQ
Colonoscopy in Dubai — questions patients ask
Is colonoscopy painful?
Sedation is given through a vein, so most people doze through it and remember very little. Afterwards there can be some bloating or cramping from the air used during the examination. That usually settles within a few hours.
How long does a colonoscopy take?
The examination itself is usually 20–45 minutes. With check-in, sedation, and recovery, most people are at HealthBay, Al Wasl, for two to three hours. You will need someone else to drive you home.
What is the difference between colonoscopy and gastroscopy?
A colonoscopy looks at the large bowel from below. A gastroscopy looks at the food pipe, stomach, and the first part of the small bowel from above. Both use a flexible camera. If both ends need checking, they can often be done on the same day.
Who should have a bowel cancer screening colonoscopy?
From about age 45 for routine screening. Sooner if there is a family history of bowel cancer, previous polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, rectal bleeding, a bowel habit that has changed and not settled, or unexplained iron deficiency anaemia. If you are unsure, it is worth asking.
How do I prepare for a colonoscopy in Dubai?
Written instructions are sent beforehand. Typically a lighter, low-fibre diet the day before, a laxative drink in the afternoon or evening, and nothing by mouth from midnight. Arrange a lift home — you should not drive after sedation.
Appointments
Book a colonoscopy in Dubai
HealthBay Gastroenterology & Digestive Health, Al Wasl Road, Dubai (Sun, Mon, Wed, Fri: 8 AM – 5 PM)
Medcare Hospital, Sharjah (Tue & Thu: 8 AM – 4 PM)
HealthBay Community Care, Motorcity, Dubai (Sat: 9 AM – 3 PM)
Also offering: ERCP & Biliary Endoscopy · Hepatology & Liver Disease · Liver Disease Treatment