The Ultimate Survival Guide to Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy in China

I recently stood outside an endoscopy center in Shanghai with a client, watching a lady argue desperately with a nurse. Why? Because she ate a tiny piece of pickled vegetable for breakfast. The doctor cancelled her procedure immediately.

As a professional Medical Escort who navigates Chinese hospitals daily, I see this happen all the time. People think the scary part is the tube going down your throat. It’s not. The hardest part is the preparation.

If you mess up the prep, the doctors in China won’t hesitate to send you home. To save you time, money, and frustration, I’ve compiled this “battle-tested” guide for expats and visitors needing gut checks in China.

Phase 1: The 3-Day Countdown (Diet “Subtraction”)

Clients often ask me, “Can I eat fruit?”
My answer: It depends.

Three days before your appointment, you need to simplify your diet.

• The Enemies (Forbidden): Anything with small seeds or skins. Dragon fruit, kiwi, watermelon, tomatoes. These seeds stick to your intestinal walls like glue. Under the camera, they look like black dots, making diagnosis impossible.
• Avoid: High fiber foods. Celery, corn, mushrooms. I once had a client who ate dumplings with chives; the doctor was not happy when he saw the “green garden” inside.
• The Good Stuff: Low-residue foods. White congee (rice porridge), plain noodles, steamed eggs, fish fillets.

Important: If you take medication for hypertension or diabetes, consult the doctor beforehand. Do not just stop taking them yourself. This is crucial for diabetics as you will be fasting.

Phase 2: The Day Before (The Laxative Challenge)

This is the toughest part.

1. Food: Breakfast and lunch should be “white foods” only (steamed buns, white bread with no crust). After 2:00 PM? No more solid food. Clear liquids only.
2. The “Potion”: You will be prescribed a large volume of laxative powder to mix with water.
   • Round 1 (7:00 PM): Drink it. But don’t just lie down! Walk around your apartment. Movement helps the liquid scrub your insides.
   • Round 2 (4:00 AM – 5:00 AM): The taste can be salty or soapy. If you feel nauseous, suck on a clear hard candy.
3. ** The Goal:** You are not ready until your stool looks like clear, yellowish water with no solid particles. If it’s still cloudy, tell the nurse immediately upon arrival.

Phase 3: The Day Of (The “Golden Rule”)

Navigating a Chinese hospital can be chaotic. Here is what you need to know for the big day:

• Clothing: Wear loose, two-piece clothing. Sweatpants are ideal. Do not wear jumpsuits or tight jeans. You need to be able to change quickly.
• Documents: Passport, hospital card, and your appointment slip.
• The Golden Rule: You CANNOT do it alone.
  If you are opting for a “Painless” (anesthesia) procedure, Chinese hospitals have a strict legal requirement: You must be accompanied by a guardian.

Because you will be under sedation, you cannot sign consent forms alone, and you cannot leave the hospital alone. You will be groggy and possibly disoriented.

No Family in China? We Can Help.

For many expats, this is a huge barrier. You might not have family here, and asking a colleague to watch you wake up from anesthesia is awkward.

This is where we come in. Our China Medical Escort Service acts as your temporary family member. We don’t just translate medical jargon; we hold your belongings, guide you to the restroom when you’re dizzy, and listen to the doctor’s post-op instructions for you.

Post-Procedure: Recovery

After the check, you might be starving. But hold on.

1. Hydration: No water for the first few hours (usually until the anesthesia wears off completely). Sip warm water first.
2. Food: Start with soft food like congee or oatmeal about 2 hours after waking up.
3. The Big No: No Alcohol for 24 hours. Mixing alcohol with residual anesthesia is dangerous. Also, no driving and no signing important legal documents for the rest of the day.

Final Thoughts

A gastroscopy or colonoscopy is the gold standard for catching health issues early. Don’t let the fear of the complex Chinese hospital system stop you.

If you are overwhelmed by the language barrier or the strict protocols, reach out to us. Your health is priority number one; let us handle the logistics.