If your doctor has recommended an upper endoscopy, you probably have questions about what it involves. It is a common, safe procedure that lets me look directly at the upper part of your digestive tract to find the cause of symptoms like heartburn, swallowing trouble, or upper belly pain. Knowing what to expect takes the worry out of it. Here is a simple walkthrough from preparation to recovery.
What an Upper Endoscopy Is
An upper endoscopy, also called an EGD, uses a thin, flexible tube with a small camera on the end. I gently pass it through the mouth to examine the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. It lets me see the lining clearly, take small tissue samples if needed, and treat some problems during the same exam.
Why It Is Done
An upper endoscopy is commonly recommended for:
- Ongoing heartburn or acid reflux
- Trouble or pain with swallowing
- Upper belly pain or nausea that does not go away
- Suspected ulcers or H. pylori
- Signs of bleeding in the upper digestive tract
- Checking the esophagus in people with long-standing reflux
Before the Procedure
Preparation is simple. You will be asked not to eat or drink for about six to eight hours beforehand so the stomach is empty, which lets me see clearly and keeps you safe during sedation. Tell our office about your medications, since blood thinners and diabetes medicines may need to be adjusted. Because you will receive sedation, arrange for an adult to drive you home.
During the Procedure
An upper endoscopy is usually quick, often about 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive sedation through a vein to keep you relaxed and comfortable, and most people feel nothing and remember nothing. You lie on your side, and a small guard protects your teeth. The scope does not interfere with breathing. If needed, I take painless tissue samples or treat findings during the exam.
After the Procedure
You will rest in a recovery area for a short time while the sedation wears off, usually 30 to 60 minutes. You might have a mild sore throat or feel a little bloated from the air used during the exam, and both pass quickly. I will share the initial findings with you, though results from any tissue samples usually take a few days to a week. Because of the sedation, plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
Is It Safe?
Upper endoscopy is very safe. Serious problems are rare. The most common aftereffects are a mild sore throat and some bloating. The information the exam provides is valuable for diagnosing and treating upper digestive problems accurately.
The Takeaway
An upper endoscopy is a short, low-risk procedure that gives clear answers about hard-to-diagnose upper digestive symptoms. If one has been recommended for you and you still have questions, we are glad to walk you through it before your visit.
Talk to a Gastroenterologist in Mountainside, NJ
If your symptoms keep coming back or you are not sure what is causing them, Dr. Amber Khan can help. We see patients from across Union County and New Jersey.