If your doctor feels you need to have an upper endoscopy you may have many questions. You may not know what the purpose of an upper endoscopy is. Simply put it is a procedure used to diagnose or treat conditions that involve the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine.
Let your doctor know that you want your procedure done at Outpatient Services East. The staff there will ensure you have the best care possible during and after endoscopy.
You will be given a sedative to help you relax during the procedure. So make plans to have someone with you the day of your procedure to drive you home and stay with you as long as you need them. It is important for patients to avoid working and making critical decisions for 24 hours following the procedure.Your doctor will give you specific instructions to prepare for your endoscopy. In some cases your doctor may ask that you:
Tell your doctor about all the medications and supplements you’re taking before your endoscopy.
During an upper endoscopy procedure, you’ll be asked to lie down on a table on your back or side. As the procedure gets underway:
You can’t talk after the endoscope passes down your throat, though you can make noises. The endoscope doesn’t interfere with your breathing.
As your doctor passes the endoscope down your esophagus:
An endoscopy typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your situation. You will then be taken to recovery and monitored by the healthcare team while the sedative wears off.
Once you’re at home, you may experience some mildly uncomfortable signs and symptoms after endoscopy, such as:
These signs and symptoms will improve with time. If you’re concerned or quite uncomfortable, call your doctor.
For more information call Outpatient Services East at 205-838-3888