Endoscopy vs Colonoscopy vs Gastroscopy: What’s the Difference?

What is an endoscopy?

An endoscopy is any procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light (an endoscope) to look directly at the lining of the digestive tract. Because the gut is a long tube with two ends, doctors reach it from whichever end is closest to the area of interest — and that is where the two main names come from.

Gastroscopy: looking at the upper gut

A gastroscopy (also called an upper endoscopy or OGD) passes the scope gently through the mouth to examine the oesophagus, stomach and the first part of the small bowel (duodenum). It is the test of choice for persistent reflux or indigestion, difficulty swallowing, suspected ulcers, unexplained upper-abdominal pain, and confirming coeliac disease. It usually takes 10–15 minutes.

Colonoscopy: looking at the lower gut

A colonoscopy passes the scope through the back passage to examine the entire large bowel (colon) and rectum. It is the gold standard for bowel-cancer screening, investigating rectal bleeding or a change in bowel habit, and — importantly — it can remove polyps in the same sitting. It usually takes 20–40 minutes and needs bowel preparation the day before.

Endoscopy vs colonoscopy vs gastroscopy: at a glance

Which one do I need?

It comes down to your symptoms. Upper-gut symptoms (reflux, heartburn, swallowing trouble, upper-tummy pain) point to a gastroscopy. Lower-gut concerns (bleeding, change in bowel habit, screening, family history of bowel cancer) point to a colonoscopy. Sometimes both are needed — for example, iron-deficiency anaemia can come from either end of the gut, so the two are done together.

Can I have both at once?

Yes. A combined gastroscopy and colonoscopy is done in a single sedation session, so you only prepare and recover once. At Colonoscopy Brisbane the all-inclusive self-funded price for both together is $1,950, and it is no-gap for insured patients — see the full cost guide for details.

Reviewed by Dr Goutham Sivasuthan, FRACS, GESA-accredited — June 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is an endoscopy the same as a colonoscopy?

Not quite. “Endoscopy” is the umbrella term for looking inside the body with a flexible camera. A colonoscopy is one kind of endoscopy that examines the large bowel from below. A gastroscopy is another kind that examines the oesophagus, stomach and upper small bowel from above.

What is the difference between a gastroscopy and a colonoscopy?

A gastroscopy looks at the upper gut (oesophagus, stomach, duodenum) and is used for reflux, indigestion, swallowing trouble, ulcers and coeliac testing. A colonoscopy looks at the lower gut (the colon and rectum) and is used for bowel-cancer screening, rectal bleeding, change in bowel habit and polyp removal. Both are done as day procedures under gentle sedation.

Can I have a gastroscopy and a colonoscopy at the same time?

Yes. They are commonly done together in one sedation session when both the upper and lower gut need checking — for example, when investigating iron-deficiency anaemia. At Colonoscopy Brisbane the combined self-funded price is $1,950, all-inclusive.

Does a colonoscopy hurt?

You are gently sedated, so most people feel nothing and have no memory of the procedure. You will need someone to drive you home afterwards, and you can usually return to normal activities the next day.

Do I need a GP referral for an endoscopy?

A current GP referral is needed for Medicare to rebate your specialist consultation. You can still be seen without one, but the consultation would not be rebated.