Procedures

Upper Endoscopy
(Esophagogastroduodenoscopy)

About the Procedure
In this procedure, a flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth and into the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The primary purpose of this procedure is to diagnose abnormalities in these organs. Biopsies (taking small pieces of tissue for examination by a pathologist) can be performed through the endoscope without additional discomfort. During the upper endoscopy, your physician may also remove polyps, coagulate bleeding blood vessels or dilate narrowed areas, if necessary.

Possible Complications
Upper endoscopy is extremely safe and associated with very few risks. However, even in the best of hands, complications may occur. Possible complications include reactions to medications given for sedation, bleeding at the site of biopsy or stricture dilation, local irritation at the IV site and tearing of the wall of the esophagus, stomach or duodenum.

Most complications are minor, but serious complications could require blood transfusions or, rarely, an emergency operation. You will be expected to sign a permit for this procedure.

Patient Preparation
The stomach must be completely empty for the best examination, so you should not take anything orally (including medications unless instructed to do so by your physician) after midnight before the day of your procedure. Notify your physician if you are taking aspirin products, or an anticoagulant like Coumadin. If you have any questions about you medications, please ask you physician. You may continue to take Tylenol. Also, let your physician know if you are allergic to any drugs.

Your Procedure
After your upper endoscopy is completed, you will be taken to the Recovery Room. Your stay in the Recovery Room will last approximately 30-60 minutes depending on your response to the sedation administered. Nurses will watch you closely for any problems that may occur, although complications are exceedingly rare. AFTER APPROPRIATE OBSERVATION, YOU WILL BE DISCHARGED.

Upper edoscopy can be safely done on an outpatient basis in a relatively short period of time. Because medications that are used will make you drowsy for many hours after the procedure, A COMPANION MUST ACCOMPANY YOU OR BE AVAILABLE TO TRANSPORT YOU HOME AFTER YOU LEAVE THE RECOVERY ROOM. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home after your upper endoscopy, and you should not plan to return to work for the rest of the day.

At Home

Your throat may be sore for a day or two after the endoscopy, but ice chips, warm salt water (1tsp per quart) or Chloraseptic Spray will help ease the discomfort. Until the local anesthesia wears off, approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, avoid swallowing liquids or solids. After numbness has subsided, you may return to your natural diet or diet prescribed to you by your physician.

REMEMBER: IF YOU DEVELOP SEVERE ABDOMINAL PAIN OR TENDERNESS, RECTAL BLEEDING, FEVER OR CHILLS, NAUSEA OR VOMITING OR ANY SYMPTOMS THAT CONCERN YOU, CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY OR GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM.

Endoscopy Photos

Hiatal Hernia Distal Esophagus	Normal Stomach Cardia	Gastritis / Erythema Antrum
Normal Duodenum Bulb	Normal Esophagus Middle Esophagus	Esophageal Ring Proximal Esophagus

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