GI Associates: Looking at Upper Endoscopy
Over the last fifteen years, endoscopy has become one of the best diagnostic tools available for gastrointestinal specialists. Instead of making educated guesses as they had done before, gastroenterologists are able to see things in a way that they had never dreamed of before. It is completely safe and is even more accurate than an X-ray examination. An endoscope is a lighted, flexible instrument with a little camera on the end that sends the picture to a screen, which gives the gastroenterologist a clear view. Often, biopsies can be taken using the endoscope and it is invaluable for removing foreign objects in small children or in adults.
In an upper endoscopy, the endoscope is gently inserted into the mouth and slowly pushed downward to view the esophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine. It is used to diagnose any inflammation that occurs in those areas or to diagnose ulcers and tumors. It can also be used to find any upper gastrointestinal bleeding and then help find the source of that bleeding. It is also used to find the reasons behind any difficulty swallowing, pain or indigestion.
What to Expect Before The Procedure
The gastroenterologists at GI Associates want you to be as calm and prepared as possible. The more cooperative and informed you are, the more successful the procedure is. It is important to follow all of the diet restrictions so that the procedure results are accurate. The stomach must be completely empty before the procedure so it is important to not eat or drink anything after 11pm the night before the procedure. Before the procedure begins, you will receive a gown to put on and will be placed in a comfortable position. Your blood pressure and pulse will be monitored frequently and you will be given an I.V., through which you will be provided the sedative. A local anesthetic may be provided as well and will be sprayed in the throat to anesthetize the area before the procedure begins.
What to Expect After The Procedure
After the procedure your gastroenterologist will let you rest, allowing any effects from the medication to wear off. You may experience a temporary sore throat and could have some bloating or burping due to the air that was pumped in during the procedure. Some people experience soreness or a tender bump where the I.V. was inserted, but this varies from one person to another. It is important that you refrain from eating 6-8 hours after the procedure. Your gastroenterologist will let you know if there are any additional special instructions once the procedure is finished.
The gastrointestinal specialists at GI Associates will let you know when you exam is scheduled and when to start preparing for the exam. It is important to follow their instructions exactly in order to achieve accurate results. Because you will be given a sedative during the procedure, you will want to bring someone with you who can drive you home afterwards and who can help you remember any post-procedure instructions.