An upper endoscopy, also known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), is a procedure used to visually examine the upper part of your digestive system. Here’s what you need to know about what happens from preparation to post-procedure care.
Preparation for the Procedure
Fasting:
- No Food or Drink: You’ll typically be asked to avoid eating or drinking for at least 6 to 8 hours before the procedure to ensure your stomach is empty.
Medication Adjustments:
- Discuss Medications: Some medications, especially blood thinners, might need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped. Always consult your doctor about this.
Pre-Procedure Consultation:
- Medical History: Share details about your health, allergies, and medications with your healthcare provider.
- Consent: You’ll need to give informed consent after understanding the procedure’s risks and benefits.
The Procedure
Sedation:
- Medication: Most patients receive sedation to relax or sleep through the procedure, making it pain-free. You might get a sedative through an IV.
The Endoscope:
- Insertion: You’ll lie on your left side. The endoscope, a flexible tube with a light and camera, is gently inserted through your mouth, down your throat, and into your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
- Comfort: Your throat might be numbed with a spray to ease insertion, and you’ll likely be asked to swallow to help guide the endoscope.
Examination:
- Visual Inspection: The doctor will look for abnormalities like inflammation, ulcers, or tumors.
- Biopsies: If anything suspicious is seen, small tissue samples might be taken for further examination.
Duration:
- Time: The procedure itself usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
During the Procedure
- Breathing and Monitoring: Your breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels are monitored throughout. You can breathe normally, but you might feel some pressure or gagging.
After the Procedure
Recovery:
- Observation: You’ll spend some time in recovery to wake up from sedation.
- Throat Discomfort: Your throat might feel sore, and you might have some bloating or gas.
Instructions:
- Eating and Drinking: You’ll start with clear liquids, then progress to solid foods as tolerated.
- Activity: Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for the rest of the day.
- Medications: You’ll get advice on when to resume normal medication intake.
Results:
- Immediate Feedback: The gastroenterologist might discuss preliminary findings right away.
- Biopsy Results: If biopsies were taken, results could take a few days to come back.
Risks and Complications
While generally safe, potential risks include:
- Bleeding: Especially from biopsy sites.
- Perforation: Rare, where the endoscope might cause a tear in the digestive tract.
- Reaction to Sedation: Though sedation is routine, there’s a small risk of adverse reactions.
When to Seek Help After the Procedure
- Severe Pain: Especially if it doesn’t subside or worsens.
- Fever
- Persistent Bleeding: From the mouth or in vomit or stool.
- Difficulty Swallowing
Why is an Upper Endoscopy Done?
- Diagnosis: To investigate symptoms like persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or bleeding.
- Monitoring: For conditions like Barrett’s esophagus or to check on healing ulcers.
- Treatment: Sometimes used to treat conditions like bleeding ulcers or to stretch narrowed areas.
Conclusion
An upper endoscopy is a valuable tool in diagnosing and managing upper GI tract issues. While the idea of the procedure might seem daunting, it’s minimally invasive and performed under sedation to ensure your comfort. Understanding what to expect can ease anxiety. If your doctor recommends an upper endoscopy, it’s likely because they believe it’s the best way to get to the bottom of your symptoms or manage your condition effectively. Remember, post-procedure care is crucial for a smooth recovery, so follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully.
