

You won’t receive all of your examination results immediately.

The doctor may also provide you with an anesthetic to help numb your throat for the endoscope. The procedure can also be performed without a sedative. To help you relax, your doctor will provide you with a sedative before the procedure begins using an IV. Your upper endoscopy procedure can be performed at either a hospital or an outpatient center. What can I expect during an endoscopy procedure? Part of your endoscopy prep will be making sure your doctor has all the vital information that they need. Let your doctor know if you have any allergies to certain medications, as well as of any medical conditions you may have. Most medications are safe for endoscopy, but others may interfere with the exam and you will need to temporarily adjust your dosage. Your doctor will also want to know about any medications that you take beforehand. Your surgeon here at Evansville Surgical Associates will advise you on when to begin fasting before your procedure. This means you shouldn’t have anything to eat or drink for about six hours before the exam, including water. When it comes to endoscopy preparation, you’ll need an empty stomach to get the best results and safest examination experience. Endoscopes give your doctor the ability to send medical instruments into your upper GI tract to treat abnormalities within your body. Upper endoscopy is used for treatment as well as diagnosis. Biopsies help determine whether tissue is cancerous or benign. Endoscopy is also helpful in acquiring a biopsy, or small tissue sample. However, they can be beneficial when looking for tumors, ulcers, and inflammation. X-rays are standard for a variety of diagnostic purposes so an endoscopy isn’t always necessary. When would I need an upper endoscopy?Įndoscopy is used when you experience problems with your upper GI tract. As the endoscope passes through your upper GI tract, it sends images back to a video monitor that your doctor examines for abnormalities. An endoscope is a flexible tube that has a camera and it’s own light source. Upper endoscopy goes by a few different names, but they all mean the same thing - the use of an endoscope to examine the upper GI tract. It can be performed by a gastroenterologist or surgeon. This includes your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine (the duodenum). Upper endoscopy allows doctors to inspect the lining of your upper GI tract. Being prepared will make you less nervous, more knowledgeable, and lead to a more positive experience.
