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What is upper endoscopy?
Upper endoscopy is a routine, outpatient procedure in which the inside of
the upper digestive system is examined.
The procedure is commonly used to help identify the causes of:
- Abdominal or chest pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Heartburn
- Bleeding
- Swallowing disorders
Endoscopy can also help identify inflammation, ulcers and tumors.
Upper endoscopy is more accurate than x-rays for detecting abnormal growths
and for examining the inside of the upper digestive system. The improved
accuracy is especially important if you have had
upper-digestive-tract surgery in the past.
What happens during the procedure?
During the procedure, a physician uses an endoscope (a long, thin, flexible
instrument about 1/2 inch in diameter) to examine the inside of the upper
digestive system.
Abnormalities can be treated through the endoscope: polyps (usually benign
growths) can be identified and removed, and tissue samples (biopsies) can be
taken for analysis. Procedures such as stretching narrowed areas, removing
swallowed objects or treating bleeding from the upper digestive system can also
be performed as part of upper endoscopy.
Before the procedure
Special conditions
- Tell your physician if you are pregnant, have a lung or heart condition,
or if you are allergic to any medications.
- Tell your physician if you have:
-- Ever been told you need to take antibiotics before a dental or surgical
procedure
-- Ever had endocarditis
-- An artificial heart valve
-- Rheumatic heart disease
If you have any of these conditions or devices, you may need to take
antibiotics before the upper endoscopy.
Medications
- Medications for high blood pressure, heart conditions or thyroid
conditions may be taken with a small sip of water before the procedure.
- If you have diabetes and use insulin, you must adjust the dosage of
insulin the day of the test. Your primary physician will help you with this
adjustment. Bring your diabetes medication with you so you can take it after
the procedure.
Eating and drinking
An endoscopy requires that you have an empty stomach before the procedure. Do
not eat any solid food for 8 hours before the procedure. You may drink clear
liquids up until 2 hours before the procedure. Clear liquids include clear
broth, hard candy, plain gelatin, black coffee, black tea, apple juice, ginger
ale, 7UP, colas, Kool-Aid, Gatorade, Hi-C, and popsicles.
Transportation
You will need to bring a responsible adult with you to accompany you home after
the procedure. You should not drive or operate machinery for at least 8 hours
after the procedure. The sedation given during the procedure causes
drowsiness, dizziness and impairs your judgment, making it unsafe for you to
drive or operate machinery.
On the day of the procedure
A physician will explain the procedure in detail, including possible
complications and side effects. The physician will also answer any questions you
may have.
During the procedure
- The procedure is performed by an experienced endoscopy physician.
- You are asked to wear a hospital gown, remove your eyeglasses and
dentures.
- A local anesthetic (pain-relieving medication) may be applied at the back
of your throat.
- You are given a pain reliever and a sedative intravenously (in your vein).
You will feel relaxed and drowsy.
- A mouthpiece is placed in your mouth. It does not interfere with your
breathing.
- You will lie on your left side during the procedure.
- The physician inserts an endoscope into your mouth, through your esophagus
(the "food pipe" leading from your mouth into your stomach) and
into your stomach. The endoscope does not interfere with your breathing.
- The procedure lasts from 15 to 20 minutes.
After the procedure
- You will stay in a recovery room for about 30 minutes for observation.
- You may feel a temporary soreness in your throat. Lozenges may help.
- The physician who performs the endoscopy will send the test results to
your primary or referring physician.
- Your physician will discuss the results with you after the procedure. If
the results indicate that prompt medical attention is needed, the necessary
arrangements will be made and your referring physician will be notified.
- A responsible adult must accompany you home. Do not drive or operate
machinery for at least 8 hours after the procedure.
- If you have severe abdominal pain, a continuous cough, fever, chills,
chest pain, nausea or vomiting within 72 hours after the procedure, please
call your doctor.
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