Endoscopy - Palmetto Gastroenterology and Hepatololgy | Aiken ...

What is an Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy?
Upper GI endoscopy is a procedure that uses a lighted, flexible endoscope to see inside the upper GI tract. The upper GI tract includes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum — the first part of the small intestine.
What problems can an Upper GI Endoscopy detect?
Upper GI endoscopy can detect
ulcers
abnormal growths
precancerous conditions
bowel obstruction
inflammation
hiatal hernia
When is an Upper GI Endoscopy used?
Upper GI endoscopy can be used to determine the cause of
abdominal pain
nausea
vomiting
unexplained weight loss
anemia
bleeding in the upper GI tract
Upper GI endoscopy can be used to remove stuck objects, including food, and to treat conditions such as bleeding ulcers. It can also be used to biopsy tissue in the upper GI tract. During a biopsy, a small piece of tissue is removed for later examination with a microscope.
How to Prepare for Upper GI Endoscopy
The upper Gl tract must be empty before upper GI endoscopy. Generally, no eating or drinking is allowed for 4 to 8 hours before the procedure. Smoking and chewing gum are also prohibited during this time.
Patients should tell their doctor about all health conditions they have—especially heart and lung problems, diabetes, and allergies— and all medications they are taking. Patients may be asked to temporarily stop taking medications that affect blood clotting or interact with sedatives, which are often given during upper GI endoscopy.
Medications and vitamins that may be restricted before and after upper GI endoscopy include
Driving is not permitted for 12 to 24 hours after upper GI endoscopy to allow sedatives time to completely wear off. Before the appointment, patients should make plans for a ride home.
How is an Upper GI Endoscopy performed?
Upper GI endoscopy is conducted at a hospital or outpatient center.
Patients may receive a local, liquid anesthetic that is gargled or sprayed on the back of the throat. The anesthetic numbs the throat and calms the gag reflex. An intravenous (IV) needle is placed in a vein in the arm if a sedative will be given. Sedatives help patients stay relaxed and comfortable. While patients are sedated, the doctor and medical staff monitor vital signs.
During the procedure, patients lie on their back or side on an examination table. An endoscope is carefully fed down the esophagus and into the stomach and duodenum. A small camera mounted on the endoscope transmits a video image to a video monitor, allowing close examination of the intestinal lining. Air is pumped through the endoscope to inflate the stomach and duodenum, making them easier to see. Special tools that slide through the endoscope allow the doc- tor to perform biopsies, stop bleeding, and remove abnormal growths.
Recovery from an Upper GI Endoscopy
After upper GI endoscopy, patients are moved to a recovery room where they wait about an hour for the sedative to wear off. During this time, patients may feel bloated or nauseated. They may also have a sore throat, which can stay for a day or two. Patients will likely feel tired and should plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Unless otherwise directed, patients may immediately resume their normal diet and medications.
Some results from upper GI endoscopy are available immediately after the procedure. The doctor will often share results with the patient after the sedative has worn off. Biopsy results are usually ready in a few days.
What are the risks associated with upper GI endoscopy?
Risks associated with upper GI endoscopy include
abnormal reaction to sedatives
bleeding from biopsy
accidental puncture of the upper GI tract
Patients who experience any of the following rare symptoms after upper GI endoscopy should contact their doctor immediately:
swallowing difficulties
throat, chest, and abdominal pain that worsen
vomiting
bloody or very dark stool
fever
Points to Remember
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is a procedure that uses a lighted, flexible endoscope to see inside the upper GI tract.
To prepare for upper GI endoscopy, no eating or drinking is allowed for 4 to 8 hours before the procedure. Smoking and chewing gum are also prohibited.
Patients should tell their doctor about all health conditions they have and all medications they are taking.
Driving is not permitted for 12 to 24 hours after upper GI endoscopy to allow the sedative time to wear off. Before the appointment, patients should make plans for a ride home.
Before upper GI endoscopy, the patient will receive a local anesthetic to numb the throat.
An intravenous (IV) needle is placed in a vein in the arm if a sedative will be given.
During upper GI endoscopy, an endoscope is carefully fed into the upper GI tract and images are transmitted to a video monitor.
Special tools that slide through the endoscope allow the doctor to perform biopsies, stop bleeding, and remove abnormal growths.
After upper GI endoscopy, patients may feel bloated or nauseated and may also have a sore throat.