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Endoscopy

UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY (EGD)


APPOINTMENT DATE AND TIME: (please arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment)


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****NOTHING TO EAT OR DRINK THE DAY OF THE PROCEDURE. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE****


WHAT IS AN UPPER GASTRONINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY?

An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure, which allows the doctor to examine the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine (duodenum), with a long, flexible tube with a light at the tip, which is inserted through the mouth. Special medications are given to “numb” the throat and make you relax (please notify us of any allergies). If the doctor sees an abnormality, he can pass an instrument through the endoscope and take a small piece of tissue (biopsy) for examination; you will remain in the office until the sedative has worn off.

The endoscope may be used as means of treatment as well. If a polyp is found, your physician may be able to remove the polyp through the instrument.

PREPARATION:

You should have nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before the test. No other preparations are necessary. AVOID TAKING ASPIRIN, ARTHRITIS MEDICATIONS OR VITAMINS CONTAINING IRON FOR 10 DAYS PRIOR TO THE EXAMINATION. PLEASE CHECK WITH US ABOUT CONTINUING OTHER MEDICATIONS.
IF YOU ARE TAKING COUMADIN, YOU MUST NOTIFY OUR OFFICE.

DAY OF THE EXAMINATION:

You will receive sedative medications; therefore you will need someone to accompany you home. YOU SHOULD NOT DRIVE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THAT DAY.

WHAT TO EXPECT THE DAY OF THE EXAMINATION:

The procedure is usually well tolerated. There may be some discomfort during the endoscopy, but it is usually mild.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE PROCEDURE:
A. You may experience a mild sore throat that should slowly improve.
B. You might be sleepy for an hour or two after the procedure due to the medications you will receive at the time of the examination and should arrange for someone to take you home.
C. You will expel gas, as some air is instilled into the stomach during the examination for adequate visualization.
D. If a polyp is removed, further instructions will be given to you.
E. You will receive information about resuming your diet after the procedure.
F. Occasionally it is necessary to admit a patient after the procedure.

ARE THERE ANY COMPLICATIONS FROM UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL
ENDOSCOPY?

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is safe and is associated with very low risk when performed by physicians who have been specially trained and are experienced in this endoscopic procedure.

One possible complication is perforation, in which a tear through the wall of the esophagus, stomach or duodenum may allow leakage of digestive fluids. This complication may allow leakage of digestive fluids. This complication may be managed simply by aspirating the fluids until opening seals, or may require surgery.

Bleeding may occur from the site of biopsy or polyp removal. It is usually minor and stops on its own, or can be controlled by cauterization (application of electrical current). Rarely, blood transfusions or surgery may be required.

Localized irritation of the vein may occur at the site of medication injection. A tender lump may develop. This lump could remain for several weeks to several months, but goes away eventually. Other risks include drug reactions and complications from unrelated disease, such as heart attack or stroke.

 
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