Upper Endoscopy

If you have diabetes, ask your regular doctor for diet and medication restrictions.
If you take a medication to thin your blood and have not already discussed this with our office, please call us at 612-871-1145.
If you take aspirin, you may continue to do so.
If you are or may be pregnant, please discuss the risks and benefits of this procedure with your doctor.
You must arrange for a ride for the day of your exam. If you fail to arrange transportation with a responsible adult, your procedure will need to be cancelled and rescheduled.
If you must cancel or reschedule your appointment, please call 612-871-1145 as soon as possible.

PREPARATION
To ensure a successful exam, please follow all instructions carefully.

Before your exam:
Fill out the Health History form to bring with you on the day of your appointment.

1 day before your exam:
• Do not eat solid foods after midnight.
• Clear liquids are permitted, such as water, clear broth and apple juice.
• Do not drink red liquids or alcoholic beverages.

The day of your exam:
6 hours before your procedure:
• Discontinue clear liquids.

When you leave for the procedure:
• Bring a list of all of your current medications, including any allergy or over-the-counter medications.
• Bring a photo ID as well as up-to-date insurance information, such as your insurance card and any referral forms that might be required by your payer.
• Co-pays are required on the day of your appointment.

DESCRIPTION OF AN UPPER ENDOSCOPY

What is an upper endoscopy?
An upper endoscopy is a test performed to evaluate symptoms of persistent upper abdominal pain, bleeding, nausea, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. During the procedure, a doctor examines the lining of your esophagus, stomach and the first part of your small intestine through a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope. If growths or other abnormalities are found during the procedure, the doctor may remove the abnormal tissue for further examination, or biopsy. An upper endoscopy may also be used to treat various conditions of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as narrowing, abnormal growths or bleeding.

What happens during an upper endoscopy?
Plan to spend up to two hours at the endoscopy center the day of your procedure. The exam itself takes about 15 minutes to complete.

Before the exam:
• You will change into a gown and robe.
• Your medical history will be reviewed with you and you will be given a consent form to sign.
• A nurse will insert an intravenous (IV) line into your hand or arm.

During the exam:
• Medicine will be given through the IV line to help you relax and feel drowsy.
• Your heart rate and oxygen levels will be monitored. If your blood pressure is low, you may be given fluids through the IV line.
• The doctor will insert a flexible, hollow tube – called an endoscope – into your mouth and will advance it slowly through the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (the first part of your small intestine).
• You may have a feeling of pressure or fullness.
• If you have difficulty swallowing, and the doctor finds a narrowing in your esophagus, it may be possible for the area to be expanded during the exam.
• If abnormal tissue is found, the doctor may remove it through the endoscope for closer examination, or biopsy. Tissue removal is painless.

What happens after the exam?
• The doctor will talk with you about the initial results of your exam.
• The doctor will prepare a full report for the physician who referred you for the upper endoscopy.
• You may feel bloated after the procedure. This is normal.
• Your throat may feel sore for a short time.
• Medication given during the exam will prohibit you from driving for the rest of the day.
• Following the exam, you may resume your normal diet. Avoid alcohol until the next day.
• You may resume your regular activities the day after the procedure.
• A nurse will provide you with complete discharge instructions before you leave the endoscopy center. Be sure to ask the nurse for specific instructions if you take blood thinners such as aspirin, Coumadin or Plavix.
• Any tissue samples removed during the exam will be sent to a lab for evaluation. It may take 5-7 working days for you to be notified of the results.

Are there possible complications from an upper endoscopy?
Although serious complications are rare, any medical procedure has the potential for risks. A nurse will review all potential warning signs with you before you leave the endoscopy center. Risks include:
• Perforation, or a tear, of the lining of the stomach or esophagus
• Bleeding from the biopsy site if tissue was removed
• Reaction to medications used during the procedure

12/21/2009