Before an Endoscopy

• If you are having upper digestive tract problems, your physician may order an upper endoscopy for you. An upper endoscopy can help identify the causes of nausea and vomiting, severe heartburn and swallowing disorders and check for inflammation, ulcers or tumors. During the procedure, a small scope will be placed into the stomach and the first part of the small intestine through the mouth. There are a few steps to take prior to an endoscopy. First, the stomach must be empty, so you should not eat for at least eight hours prior to the procedure. You may drink clear liquids up to two hours before the endoscopy. Make sure your physician is aware of all the medications you are taking and of all your current medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or pregnancy.
  
  

During an Endoscopy

• During the endoscopy you will be instructed to lie on your left side. You will be given a mild anesthesia intravenously, which will make you drowsy. The technician will place a mouthpiece in your mouth to keep your mouth open as you are sedated. After you are sedated, the thin tube containing the scope is placed in your mouth, down your throat and into your stomach. The view from the scope will be recorded and snapshots will be taken for the physician to review. Occasionally, small samples of tissue are removed for analysis. The procedure lasts anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes, after which time you will awaken.
  
  

After an Endoscopy

• After the procedure, the physician will come and talk to you and tell you briefly what she found. She may want to look at the photos more closely and call you into her office at a later date to review the results, or she may send the results to your primary care physician. The doctor will also follow up with you later regarding any biopsied tissue removed during the endoscopy. It is important to have another adult with you for your procedure. Chances are you will be too drowsy to remember your physician's instructions and you will certainly be too sleepy to drive. You may experience a little soreness in your throat from the scope, but this should not be severe and will disappear within a day. You will want to rest the day of the procedure but will be ready to return to your normal activities by the next day. If you experience severe pain, fever or nausea after you have returned home, call your physician.