Endoscopy
Your gastroenterologist may recommend an endoscopic procedure to evaluate or treat digestive health symptoms. Whatever the reason for your endoscopy, trust the experienced doctors and nurses at Cone Health to keep you feeling as comfortable as possible during the procedure.
What is an Endoscopy?
During an endoscopy, your doctor uses an endoscope, or scope—a long thin tube with a tiny camera on the end—to examine internal organs. In an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), your gastroenterologist examines your esophagus, stomach and upper small intestines. Your doctor may use an EGD to investigate the cause of:
- Anemia
- Bleeding
- Difficulty swallowing
- Heartburn
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss or nutritional deficiencies
Your doctor also may use special instruments to gather tissue samples, remove abnormal growths, or treat GI symptoms during an endoscopy.
What to Expect at Your Exam
Plan to spend one-and-a-half to two hours at the hospital or facility on the day of your procedure.
Most upper endoscopies take five to 15 minutes.
After a short recovery time, you’ll meet with your physician to review your findings and discuss follow-up care. You should rest at home for the remainder of the day.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
You must bring a family member or friend with you to your appointment. He or she will act as your support person and drive you home after the procedure.
You’ll also need your insurance card.
You may be asked to remove dentures or contact lenses before your procedure. Please wear loose clothing and leave jewelry, purses and wallets at home.
How to Prepare For Your Upper Endoscopy
For the most accurate endoscopy results, you’ll need a clear upper GI tract. Your doctor will provide detailed instructions about what time to stop eating or drinking before your procedure, as well as when to stop taking certain medications or over-the-counter drugs.
