It depends on your situation. If you need endoscopy as part of a pre-surgical workup for bariatric surgery, hernia repair, or GERD treatment — then yes, you perform the endoscopy and surgery in the same trip, eliminating travel cost overhead. If you need a standalone diagnostic endoscopy and live close to Tijuana (San Diego area), it can be very worthwhile — same-day procedure for $350–$600 vs. $1,500–$4,000 in the U.S. For patients farther away, combining endoscopy with another procedure maximizes the value.

Yes. We use Olympus and Pentax HD endoscopy systems — the same brands used at major U.S. academic medical centers. All scopes are cleaned and sterilized between patients using high-level disinfection protocols. Our endoscopists have performed thousands of procedures and maintain complication rates well below international benchmarks.

Pre-bariatric endoscopy is mandatory because: (1) H. pylori infection must be identified and treated before surgery — if not eradicated, gastric sleeve can cause severe ulcers. (2) Hiatal hernias are detected and repaired simultaneously with the bariatric procedure. (3) Esophagitis, gastritis, or ulcers may require treatment before surgery to reduce complication risk. (4) Barrett’s esophagus may influence the choice between sleeve and bypass. Skipping this step increases surgical risk significantly.

Yes — all endoscopy reports are provided in English (or bilingual Spanish/English). You receive a written report with HD photos of the findings, biopsy results when applicable, and the surgeon’s interpretation. This report is suitable for sharing with your primary care physician or specialist back home. We email the complete documentation to you within 24–48 hours of the procedure.

For an upper endoscopy: plan 2–3 hours total (registration, pre-procedure check, IV placement, 15–30 min procedure, 1–2 hours recovery until fully alert). For colonoscopy: same total time but requires the prior night’s bowel prep. For combined EGD + colonoscopy: 3–4 hours at the endoscopy center. All performed same-day with same-day discharge.

Yes — you do not need to be traveling specifically for medical tourism. If you are already vacationing in Guadalajara, Tijuana, or Puerto Vallarta and need a diagnostic endoscopy or colonoscopy, we can often accommodate same-week scheduling. Contact us via WhatsApp with your symptoms or clinical history and we will advise on the fastest route to get your procedure scheduled.

We use IV conscious sedation (midazolam + fentanyl) or propofol-based deep sedation depending on the procedure and your preference. Most patients have no memory of the procedure and experience no discomfort. A certified anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist monitors you throughout. Sedation is very safe in healthy adults — risks are minimal and manageable. You will need a companion to drive you home, as sedation effects persist for several hours.

If significant findings are detected (polyp, ulcer, suspicious lesion, Barrett’s esophagus), your surgeon will discuss them with you immediately after the procedure. Biopsies are taken during the same session when indicated — no second visit needed. Results are shared with you in writing within 5–7 days. If treatment or surgery is recommended, we provide a clear pathway — either in Mexico at a significant cost saving, or a referral recommendation for care at home if you prefer.