Different kinds of endoscopy exist. Your doctor inserts an endoscope through your mouth and down your esophagus during an upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. A flexible tube with a camera attached is called an endoscope.
To rule out peptic ulcers or structural issues, including an obstruction in the esophagus, your doctor may prescribe an upper GI endoscopy. If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or they think you could have it, they might also do the surgery.
A hiatal hernia, which happens when the top portion of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm and into your chest, can also be diagnosed with an upper GI endoscopy.
Find out more about endoscopy.
To guarantee that an upper GI endoscopy goes well, preparation is essential. Here are some broad guidelines to help you be ready for your endoscopy, while your doctor will provide you with particular instructions.
1. Recognize the procedure’s dangers
Make sure you are aware of the procedure’s dangers and potential problems. Although they are uncommon, complications can include the following:
.Removing polyps or performing a biopsy may result in bleeding. Bleeding, however, is typically mild and easily treated.
.If you have an allergy to any medications, including the sedatives used to help you rest during the surgery, you may experience an adverse reaction. Additionally, some medications may conflict with any prescriptions you are already taking. Any medications you are taking should be disclosed to your doctor.
.Aspirations happens when liquid or food enters the lungs. This may occur if you consume food or liquids before to the treatment. To avoid this issue, be sure to adhere to your doctor’s fasting recommendations.
2. Talk about health issues or conditions
If you have any medical conditions, such as cancer or heart disease, or are pregnant, be sure to let your doctor know. Your doctor can use this information to determine whether any safety precautions should be taken during the surgery.
anti-inflammatory drugs
Coumadin, or warfarin
Aspirin, heparin, and other blood thinners
The sedatives used for the surgery may be incompatible with any drugs that make you sleepy. Many antidepressants and anxiety drugs may alter how you react to the sedative.
Making a plan with your doctor is crucial if you take insulin or other drugs to manage your diabetes so that your blood sugar doesn’t drop too low.
Unless specifically instructed by your physician, do not alter your daily dosage.
3. Get a ride back home.
To assist you relax during the endoscopy, you will probably be given a sedative and a narcotic. Due to the drowsiness caused by these medicines, you should not drive following the treatment. Make plans for someone to come get you and drive you home. If you don’t have a ride home in advance, some medical facilities won’t let you have the surgery.
4. Bring any forms that are required.
Make sure to complete out the consent form and any other documentation that your doctor has requested. Prepare all forms the night before the procedure, and place them in your bag so you don’t forget to bring them with you.
5. Avoid eating and drinking.
On the night before the surgery, you should avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight. Mints and gum are examples of this. However, if your treatment is in the afternoon, you can often have clear liquids after midnight until six hours before to the endoscopy. Among the clear liquids are: