Endoscopy is generally a safe procedure with minimal side effects such as sore throatdue to insertion of the endoscope through the throat, bloating and gasdue to introduction of air into the abdomen and mild cramping. Serious complications like perforation and bleeding are very rare.

We speak more of the risks or complications of endoscopy. These include bleeding, perforation of the bowel, adverse reaction to sedative medications. Overall, the risks of endoscopy are quite low but vary depending on the patient and the indication for the procedure.