During an endoscopy, your physician uses an endoscope—a thin, flexible tube with a camera at the end—to examine part of the upper digestive system. Your physician will examine the esophagus to see if you have polyps (abnormal tissue growth), ulcer disease (irritated tissue lining the esophagus) or any signs of bleeding.
What To Expect When You Have an Endoscopy
Before the procedure, you will be instructed to stop eating and drinking the night before your upper endoscopy, as you will be given a mild sedative during the test.
Before the test begins, an intravenous catheter (IV) will be inserted to administer medications during the endoscopy. You will be given a mild, short-acting sedative, which will make you groggy. You will not be “put to sleep” (general anesthesia) for this test. An anesthetic will be sprayed in your throat, which will help you not to cough or gag during the procedure.
Once the anesthetic has taken effect, the endoscope is passed down your throat. Since you have been sedated and your throat has been anesthetized, you should feel little or no discomfort. Your physician will use the endoscope to examine your esophagus and stomach. After the exam is complete, you will rest in a recovery room for approximately one hour while your vital signs are monitored. Due to the sedative’s effects, it’s important to have someone else drive you home after your endoscopy.
You will receive your test results from your physician in three to five days.
Depending on your symptoms, your gastroenterologist may recommend a more specialized type of endoscopy. Inspira Health offers gastroenterology procedures often only found at large university medical centers, including the following.
From common gastrointestinal symptoms to rare conditions, Inspira Gastroenterology and Digestive Health providers help to diagnose and treat a wide range of issues.
