What is an Upper Endoscopy?
- 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 tract, such as narrowing, abnormal growths or bleeding.
How Do I Prepare for the Procedure?
- For the best results, your stomach must be completely empty the day of your exam.
- After midnight the day of your scheduled exam, do not eat or drink anything, except clear liquids.
- Six hours prior to your procedure, do not eat or drink anything, including water.
What Happens During an Upper Endoscopy?
Plan to spend up to 2 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.
- You will be asked about your medical history.
- 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:
- You will be given medicine through the IV line to help you relax.
- You will lie on your left side.
- Your heart rate and oxygen levels will be monitored.
- 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 dilated (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.
After the Exam:
- You will rest for 30 minutes after the procedure.
- The doctor will talk with you about the initial results of your examination.
- The doctor will prepare a full report for the physician who referred you for the upper endoscopy.
- A nurse will provide you with complete discharge instructions before you leave the endoscopy center.
- Because of the sedation given during the procedure, you may be unable to remember all of the nurse’s instructions. Because of this, we provide written instructions and also ask your accompanying adult to join you and the nurse during discharge. If you do not want anyone else in the recovery room, please let us know prior to the exam.
- Your throat may feel sore for a short time.
- You may feel bloated after the procedure. This is normal.
- Medications given during the exam will prohibit you from driving for the rest of the day.
- You may resume your normal diet, unless otherwise indicated by the physician.
- You may resume your regular activities the day after the procedure.
- If polyps have been removed, or biopsies taken, avoid aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications for the next 5 days, or as your physician recommends.
- Any tissue samples removed during the exam will be sent to a lab for evaluation. It takes 10 – 14 working days to be notified of the results.
If you have any questions about upper endoscopy preparation or the exam, please call Minnesota Gastroenterology at 612-871-1145.