Lately, I’ve been experiencing some ongoing stomach issues, and my family doctor (GP) suggested I get a comprehensive gastroscopy and colonoscopy. I was a bit apprehensive about undergoing this procedure in Spain, as things can be quite different from what you might be used to. However, the entire experience turned out to be very positive, and I found the Spanish public healthcare system to be quite reliable. I’d like to share my journey to offer some guidance to others who might need it.
Appointments and Waiting Lists
The process began with seeing my family doctor (GP). I described my symptoms, and he immediately wrote a referral for me to be placed on the waiting list for the gastroenterology department at the hospital. A crucial point to note regarding colonoscopy and gastroscopy costs in Spain is that the waiting lists in the public system are notoriously long. I waited for almost four months to get my appointment. Therefore, if your condition is more urgent or if you have private health insurance, going to a private clinic will be significantly faster. The appointment letter I received clearly outlined the time of the procedure and provided detailed instructions for preparation.
Preparation Before the Procedure
The preparation in the days leading up to the procedure is crucial and directly affects the quality of the examination. The hospital provided very detailed instructions, which I’ll summarize here:
Dietary Requirements
| Time | Dietary Recommendations |
|---|
| 3 days before the procedure | Start a low-residue diet. Avoid vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. You can eat white rice, white bread, chicken, fish, etc. |
| 1 day before the procedure | Consume clear liquids only, such as water, clear broth, apple juice, and sports drinks. Avoid milk and colored beverages. |
| Day of the procedure | No food or water at all. |
Bowel Preparation
On the afternoon before the procedure, you’ll need to start drinking a prescribed laxative solution to cleanse your bowels. This process… well, let’s just say it’s hard to describe. Basically, you’ll be running to the bathroom constantly. It’s essential to drink the entire solution according to the times and dosages in the instructions. It doesn’t taste great, but you have to push through for the sake of an effective examination! I strongly recommend not planning anything outside the house on that day. Just stay home.
The Day of the Procedure and Anesthesia
Once at the hospital, you’ll change into a hospital gown. A nurse will insert an IV line in your arm for the anesthetic. I opted for general anesthesia, and I highly recommend it! The nurse will ask some basic questions, and then the anesthesiologist will come to confirm everything. I was wheeled into the procedure room, laid down on the examination table, and the doctor told me to lie on my side. Then he said, “Just relax, you’ll be asleep in a moment.” And just like that, I was out. The next thing I knew, I was waking up in the recovery room. I felt absolutely nothing during the procedure and had no discomfort whatsoever. I have to say, the painless colonoscopy and gastroscopy technique in Spain is very advanced. After the procedure, the doctor will give you a preliminary report. If any biopsies were taken, you’ll have to wait a while for the final results. Because of the general anesthesia, you must have someone accompany you home, and you are not allowed to drive or make important decisions for the next 24 hours. The entire procedure is free under the public healthcare system; I only had to pay for the prescription laxative.
