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.
- 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 2 hours before the procedure. Clear liquids
include clear broth, hard candy, plain jello, 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 judgement, making it unsafe
for you to drive or operate machinery.