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1951 SW 172nd Ave, Ste 312 Miramar, FL 33029
Upper GI Endoscopy
An Upper Endoscopy provides a clear view your upper GI tract, including your esophagus, stomach and the first portion of your small intestine, in the same way that a colonoscopy allows examination of the lower large intestine. A thin, flexible endoscope is gently inserted through your mouth and into the esophagus, then advanced through the stomach and into the first portion of the small intestine. This procedure is used to diagnose causes of gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, heartburn/reflux, difficulty swallowing, bleeding, nausea and/or vomiting, or abnormal x-ray results.
Preparation
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Plan to spend about three hours at the procedure center. Do not bring jewelry or valuables
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Wear comfortable clothing and warm socks
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Do not wear contact lenses
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A licensed driver (age 18 or older) MUST accompany you at check-in and remain during your test
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You must discontinue several types of medication days or weeks before the test
What To Expect
You'll be asked to lie on your back or your side on a table. You may receive a sedative to help you relax during the endoscopy, and the doctor may spray an anesthetic in your mouth to numb your throat. As the endoscope is inserted in your mouth you may feel some pressure in your throat, but you shouldn't feel pain. When the exam finished, the endoscope is slowly removed from your mouth. The entire procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, though you will stay in a recovery area for an hour or so as the sedative wears off.
You may experience a sore throat, or some bloating, gas, or cramping. These signs and symptoms will improve with time.
Risks
Rare complications may include bleeding, especially if any tissue is removed for testing, or infection, which can be treated with antibiotics.