By Dr Pranab Gyawali, Consultant Gastroenterologist
Updated and medically reviewed:
Colonoscopy assessment and procedure in Dubai
If you have been advised to have a colonoscopy, or you are concerned about bowel symptoms, the first step is a consultation with Dr Pranab Gyawali. He will review why the procedure has been suggested, your symptoms, medical history, medicines and any previous results.
A colonoscopy is not required for every bowel symptom. It may be recommended when it is the most useful way to examine the bowel, take biopsies or remove a polyp. The procedure is carried out in a monitored JCI accredited facility in Dubai and planned in accordance with the UAE national standards for endoscopy services.
After the consultation, if you and Dr Pranab agree to proceed, the nursing team will provide the bowel preparation and explain exactly how and when to take it. The consultation and colonoscopy are arranged as separate visits.
Procedure
Consultant led colonoscopy with biopsy or polyp removal when appropriate
Procedure time
Usually approximately 20 to 25 minutes
Total visit
Allow around three hours, including admission and recovery
Sedation
Propofol is preferred, with an anaesthetist supervising throughout
Preparation
Bowel preparation and individual instructions are supplied after consultation
Final fasting
Four hours completely nil by mouth, including no water
Laboratory results
Biopsy or polyp results are usually available within three to five days
Insurance and self pay
Insurance requirements vary. The self pay fee is confirmed before booking
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Quick answers about colonoscopy in Dubai
Why might I need a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy may be recommended for rectal bleeding, a persistent change in bowel habit, unexplained iron deficiency anaemia, ongoing diarrhoea, an abnormal stool test, unexplained weight loss, surveillance of inflammatory bowel disease, a previous polyp or a family history of bowel cancer.
What happens before the colonoscopy?
You will have a consultation first. Dr Pranab confirms whether colonoscopy is appropriate, reviews your health and medicines, explains the procedure and obtains your consent. The nursing team then provides the bowel preparation and written instructions.
How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?
The bowel needs to be clean so the lining can be examined properly. You receive individual instructions about food, fluids, bowel preparation and any medicines that may need adjusting. Follow these instructions exactly rather than using general instructions found online.
How long must I stop eating and drinking?
You must have nothing to eat or drink for four hours before the procedure. This includes water. The nursing team explains how this fits with the earlier stages of your bowel preparation.
Is colonoscopy painful?
Propofol is the preferred sedation, with an anaesthetist supervising throughout. Most patients are asleep during the examination. Your comfort, breathing and other observations are monitored carefully.
How long does a colonoscopy take?
The colonoscopy itself usually takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Allow around three hours at the centre for admission, preparation, the procedure and recovery.
Can I have the consultation and colonoscopy on the same visit?
No. The consultation takes place first. If you decide to proceed, the bowel preparation, nursing instructions and any insurance approval need to be arranged before the procedure.
When will I receive the results?
Dr Pranab explains the immediate findings after you have recovered. If biopsies or polyps are sent to the laboratory, results are usually available within three to five days and a follow up is arranged.
What does a colonoscopy cost in Dubai?
For self paying patients, the total cost is explained once the clinical requirements of the procedure have been confirmed. This avoids giving a headline price that may not reflect whether biopsies, polyp removal or other requirements are involved.
Is colonoscopy covered by insurance?
Colonoscopy is covered by many insurance policies when clinically indicated. Cover depends on the policy, network tier and prior approval requirements. The coordinator can check this after the consultation.
I have extensive experience of gastroscopy and colonoscopy, working at consultant level since 2008 in the UK and practising in the UAE since 2022. My first question is why the colonoscopy is being considered and whether it is the right test for that patient. If it is needed, careful preparation and comfortable sedation both matter.
Dr Pranab Gyawali, Consultant Gastroenterologist
What happens during a colonoscopy?
This educational animation explains how the colon is examined during colonoscopy.
What happens when colonoscopy is arranged?
Consultation and decision
Dr Pranab reviews your symptoms, the reason for the test, medical history, medicines and previous results. He explains the benefits, alternatives and individual risks before you decide whether to proceed.
Bowel preparation
After consent, the nursing team supplies the bowel preparation and explains the food, fluid and medicine instructions. Please follow the instructions exactly because a clean bowel is essential for a careful examination.
Colonoscopy
A flexible camera examines the rectum and colon. Biopsies can be taken, and many polyps can be removed during the same procedure when appropriate.
Recovery and findings
You are monitored until properly awake. Dr Pranab explains the immediate findings and what should happen next. You may go home afterwards but must not drive following sedation.
What should I bring to the consultation?
Please bring any referral letter, recent blood or stool test results, previous colonoscopy or imaging reports and a list of your medicines. It is particularly important to mention blood thinning medicines, diabetes treatment, allergies, previous reactions to sedation and significant heart or lung conditions.
What can a colonoscopy find?
Colonoscopy can identify inflammation, bleeding, polyps, diverticular disease, narrowing and other changes in the bowel lining. A biopsy can help diagnose conditions that cannot be confirmed by appearance alone.
If a polyp is found, it can often be removed during the procedure and sent to the laboratory. The result helps determine whether any further examination or treatment is needed.
Is colonoscopy safe?
Colonoscopy is generally safe, but no procedure is completely without risk. Possible complications include a reaction to sedation, bleeding or a tear in the bowel. The risk may be higher when a large polyp or another abnormality is treated.
Dr Pranab reviews your medical history and medicines before the procedure and explains the benefits, alternatives and individual risks before consent.
When should I seek help after colonoscopy?
Follow the discharge instructions provided. Seek prompt medical help for severe or increasing abdominal pain, heavy rectal bleeding, fever, persistent vomiting, breathing difficulty or feeling seriously unwell after the procedure.
Do I need a screening colonoscopy if I have no symptoms?
Screening is different from having a colonoscopy because of symptoms. The UAE National Guideline for Colorectal Cancer Screening and Diagnosis recommends colorectal cancer risk assessment from age 40 for average risk adults. The appropriate test and timing depend on age, health, previous screening, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease and family history.
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Request a colonoscopy assessment in Dubai
If you have been advised to have a colonoscopy or would like to discuss whether it is appropriate, request an assessment using the form below or contact the Admin Team on WhatsApp.