When your doctor has finished the exam, the endoscope is slowly retracted through your mouth. An endoscopy typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your situation.

How long does an endoscopy take from start to finish?

An upper endoscopy usually takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete. When the procedure is over, the doctor will gently remove the endoscope. Then you will go to a recovery room.

Do they put you to sleep for an endoscopy?

All endoscopic procedures involve some degree of sedation, which relaxes you and subdues your gag reflex. Being sedated during the procedure will put you into a moderate to deep sleep, so you will not feel any discomfort when the endoscope is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach.