Upper Endoscopy Procedure

Procedure Details

How is an upper endoscopy done?

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.

What do I need to do 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.
• If you are taking blood-thinning medications – such as Coumadin® or Plavix® – these medications may have to be stopped for a period of time before the endoscopy. Please discuss this with your physician prior to 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 4 hours before the procedure. Clear liquids include clear broth, hard candy, plain Jell-O®, 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.

What happens during the procedure?

• The procedure is performed by an experienced endoscopy physician.
• You are asked to wear a hospital gown and 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.