What to Expect from an Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, sometimes simply called an upper endoscopy, is a medical procedure whereby you doctor examines the beginning of your small intestine, your stomach and the lining of your esophagus by utilizing a flexible, thin viewing instrument, which is referred to as an endoscope. The endoscope allows your doctor to look for bleeding, ulcers, tumors, inflammation and infections. During the procedures small growths may be removed and tissue samples collected for testing. An upper endoscopy may be able to reveal issues that were not seen on x-rays.
An upper endoscopy is performed for a number of reasons including looking for signs of acid reflux, inflammation of the esophagus, ulcers, hiatal hernia, Barrett’s esophagus and cancer. An upper endoscopy is also done to find the cause of infections, bloating, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss and abdominal pain.
Preparing for the test
You Bradenton, Florida doctor will tell you to stop taking aspirin products and iron supplements for seven to 14 days before your scheduled upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. You’ll also be instructed to stop taking antacids or sucralfate during the day of the exam. Your doctor may also tell you to avoid NSAIDs, or anti-inflammatory drugs, for a few days before your exam. Your stomach should be empty for the exam, so you shouldn’t eat for six to eight hours before your test. Because you will be sedated for the test, arrange for someone to take you home afterwards.
An upper endoscopy is generally done on an outpatient basis in a clinic, hospital or even your doctor’s office. Your throat will be numbed with an anesthetic spray to help to relax your gag reflux. This is to make it easier to insert the viewing instrument. Because you will be sedated, you most likely won’t remember the actual test. You’ll lie on your left side as your doctor inserts the endoscope through your mouth and into your esophagus. You’ll be asked to swallow to help the tube move down your esophagus, but you won’t have any problems breathing. A camera is attached at the end of the endoscope to take pictures of your esophagus, stomach and small intestine.
After the Test
The test generally only takes about 30 to 45 minutes. You’ll be in recovery for about one to two hours following the test, while your sedation is wearing off. For 12 hours after the test, you’ll have to restrain from driving. Likewise, avoid alcohol for at least 12 hours after the test.
Your doctor may inform you of your results after your upper endoscopy, but depending on your findings, it may take a few days to obtain your results.