Endoscopy Gowns and Procedure Shorts: Options for Endoscopy Units

Endoscopy units usually need two things from patient clothing: a gown that keeps the patient covered on the trolley and in recovery, and, for lower GI procedures such as colonoscopy, a pair of procedure shorts with an opening at the back so the patient is not left exposed. Which garments a patient needs depends on the procedure, the sedation used and the unit's own protocol, so the endoscopy team should set the rules and the textiles should follow them.

This guide looks at the options, what to specify for each, and how to choose between reusable and single-use items.

Why endoscopy is a dignity-sensitive procedure

Endoscopy patients are often anxious. Many are having an investigation for symptoms that worry them, some have been fasting or taking bowel preparation, and lower GI procedures involve exposure that many people find embarrassing. Patients are also moved between several areas: admission, changing, the procedure room and recovery, sometimes sedated.

Every step where a patient feels exposed is a step where clothing can help. In the UAE, where many patients have strong modesty expectations, the right garments make a significant difference to how patients experience the unit. For broader context, see patient gown dignity.

The garments, procedure by procedure

Procedure type	Typical garment approach (confirm with your unit's protocol)	Key features
Upper GI endoscopy (gastroscopy)	Some units let patients stay in their own clothes with loosened collars; others use a gown	Access to the mouth and neck; protection of clothing from secretions
Lower GI (colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy)	Gown on top, procedure shorts with a rear opening below	Rear opening for access; coverage at the front and sides
Combined upper and lower	Gown plus procedure shorts	As above
ERCP and other procedures under heavier sedation or imaging	Gown as required by the unit, with consideration for imaging	Ease of removal; avoid metal where imaging requires it
Capsule endoscopy	Normally the patient's own clothing, as advised by the unit	Not usually a gown requirement

These are general patterns, not clinical guidance. Your endoscopy lead decides what patients wear for each procedure.

Procedure shorts explained

Procedure shorts, sometimes called colonoscopy shorts or dignity shorts, are worn under the gown during lower GI procedures. They have an opening at the back that gives the endoscopist access while the rest of the patient's lower body stays covered.

Reusable versus single-use shorts

Many units use single-use shorts, often made of non-woven material. Some prefer reusable woven shorts. The trade-offs:

• Single-use shorts are discarded after each patient, which suits the soiling that can occur after bowel preparation. They add to clinical waste and have an ongoing purchase cost.
• Reusable shorts reduce waste and can feel more comfortable, but need laundering to the unit's infection-control requirements and will see heavy soiling. Laundry processes must be able to handle this.

The decision belongs with your infection-control and endoscopy teams. If reusable shorts are chosen, look for a fabric that tolerates frequent hot laundering, dark or mid-tone colours, and a simple, robust construction.

Design points for reusable shorts

If you are considering reusable procedure shorts, these are the points to specify:

1. An overlapping rear opening that stays closed until needed
2. An elasticated or drawstring waist that suits a range of sizes
3. Loose legs so patients can put them on easily, often while feeling unwell
4. A fabric that is opaque and dries quickly
5. A size range that includes larger sizes
6. Marking so the shorts return to the endoscopy unit after laundering

Gowns for endoscopy

The gown worn over procedure shorts, or alone for upper GI procedures, has its own requirements.

Coverage on the trolley

Patients often lie on their side during colonoscopy. A gown with a generous overlap or wrap-around back stays in place better than a narrow back-opening gown. Longer lengths help too.

Easy removal and change

Gowns may need changing after the procedure if soiled. Simple fastenings that staff can undo quickly, such as press studs at the shoulders or ties at the side, help in recovery.

Warmth in recovery

Endoscopy rooms and recovery areas are often kept cool. A long-sleeved gown, or a blanket from the unit's linen stock, helps sedated patients stay comfortable. This is covered further in patient gowns for hot climates and cold wards.

Colour and stains

Endoscopy gowns face staining from bowel preparation, lubricants and secretions. Mid-tone colours or small prints hide residual marks better than white. A distinct colour for the endoscopy unit also helps the laundry return gowns to the right department.

Patient tops and trousers as an alternative

Some units, particularly those running day-case lists for mobile patients, use patient tops and trousers rather than gowns for the walk between areas, changing into procedure shorts and a gown only for the procedure itself. Others offer a second gown worn as a robe. These choices reduce the time patients spend feeling exposed.

The changing area matters too

Garments work best when the space around them supports privacy. A few practical points for endoscopy units:

• Lockable storage or a labelled bag for each patient's clothes and valuables, which travels with them or waits in recovery
• Clear written or pictorial instructions in Arabic and English showing how to put on the gown and shorts, and which way the opening faces
• Separate changing areas, or at least separate cubicles, for men and women where layout allows
• A clean gown and shorts set laid out per patient before the list starts, so staff are not searching for sizes
• A second gown or robe for patients walking from the changing area to the procedure room

Patients who have been fasting or taking bowel preparation may feel weak or rushed, so anything that makes dressing simpler helps both them and the nursing team.

How many to hold

Endoscopy throughput can be high, with multiple lists a day, and every patient needs a clean set. A simple approach:

• Count procedures per day by type (upper, lower, combined)
• Allow for changes after soiling, which are more frequent with lower GI procedures
• Multiply by the number of days a garment is out of circulation, including laundry turnaround
• Add a margin for busy lists and items retired from wear

Checklist for endoscopy textiles

• Garment rules per procedure agreed with the endoscopy and infection-control leads
• Decision made on reusable or single-use procedure shorts
• Gowns with generous overlap or wrap-around backs
• Long sleeves or blankets available for cool recovery areas
• Mid-tone colours to hide marks
• Department colour or marking for laundry return
• Quantities based on lists per day and laundry turnaround

Ordering

MISHAREN makes reusable patient gowns to order, including wrap-around, back-opening and shoulder-opening styles, as well as patient tops and trousers, in cotton or poly-cotton with colours by department and laundry marking. If your unit needs procedure shorts or another specific garment, describe it in your enquiry and the quotation will confirm what can be made. See patient gowns or contact us via contact.