If you have a digestive issue involving your esophagus or stomach, your gastroenterologist may recommend an upper endoscopy. Knowing how to prepare for the upper endoscopy and what to expect during and after the procedure is helpful. The gastroenterologists at Great South Bay Endoscopy in East Patchogue, NY, provide comprehensive endoscopic services to help you.
What You Need To Know About an Upper Endoscopy
Your gastroenterologist may recommend an upper endoscopy if you are experiencing signs and symptoms including:
- Problems swallowing
- A chronic sore throat
- Esophageal or stomach pain
- Frequent nausea and vomiting
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
In addition to the signs and symptoms listed above, your gastroenterologist may also recommend an upper endoscopy to aid in the diagnosis of:
- Anemia
- Peptic ulcers
- Celiac disease
- Esophageal inflammation
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Esophageal, stomach, or intestinal cancers
An upper endoscopy may be ordered as an individual test or in combination with a colonoscopy. If it is performed with a colonoscopy, you must take specially prepared laxatives to empty out your colon.
If the upper endoscopy is performed alone, the laxatives are not necessary. You may be asked to avoid eating or drinking anything in the hours before your procedure. Remember that an upper endoscopy is performed while you are under sedation, so it’s necessary to bring someone with you to drive you home after your procedure.
During the upper endoscopy, your gastroenterologist will insert a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera attached to one end, known as an endoscope, into your mouth. The endoscope is guided down your esophagus and into your upper intestine.
The camera lets your gastroenterologist see your esophagus and remove a tissue sample or growth for further examination. After the endoscopy, you may notice slight, temporary soreness in your throat.
The upper endoscopy is typically completed outpatient, so there is no hospital stay. The endoscopy takes about 30 to 45 minutes, but you should plan on spending 2 to 3 hours in the facility to recover from sedation.
Want To Know More About an Upper Endoscopy?
Call the gastroenterologists at Great South Bay Endoscopy in East Patchogue, NY to learn about preparing for an upper endoscopy and what to expect. You can reach them in the office by calling (631) 307-9181, so call today.