Upper Endoscopy

Upper endoscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to look at the upper digestive tract. This procedure is performed with an endoscopy instrument, accompanied by a specialist doctor. >

Why is upper endoscopy performed?

You can have an upper endoscopy in the following cases:

• Unexplained pain in your upper abdomen,

• A condition called "acid reflux",

• Long-standing nausea and vomiting,

• Long-standing diarrhea,

• Black bowel movements or blood in your vomit,

• Difficulty swallowing or feeling of food being stuck in your throat,

• Abnormal results from other tests of your digestive system,

• Swallowed an object you shouldn't have,

• If you have growths or ulcers in your digestive system and your doctor wants to follow up.

What should I do before upper endoscopy?

Your doctor will instruct you on what to do before upper endoscopy. They will tell you if you need to stop eating or drinking or taking your usual medications beforehand. Be sure to read the instructions as soon as you receive them. You may need to stop some medications up to a week before the test. If you're having trouble preparing for your upper endoscopy, let your doctor know.

What happens during an upper endoscopy?

You will receive medications via IV to make you feel comfortable and sleep. They may give you a mouth spray or mouthwash to numb your mouth. You will also receive a plastic mouth guard to protect your teeth. Then your doctor will insert a thin tube with a camera and light at the end into your mouth and esophagus, stomach and duodenum. They will look for irritation, bleeding, ulcers, or growths.

During an upper endoscopy, your doctor will also:

• During a biopsy, the doctor will examine the lining of the digestive tract. takes a small piece of tissue. (You won't feel it.) Then take a microscope into the tissue.

• Treating the problems they see. For example, a doctor can stop the bleeding or sometimes remove a growth. They can also widen any narrow area of ​​the esophagus. Narrow areas of the esophagus can cause difficulty in swallowing.

What happens after upper endoscopy?

After an upper endoscopy, medications can be You will be monitored for 1 to 2 hours until the effect wears off. Most doctors recommend that people not drive or go to work immediately after an upper endoscopy. Most can drive and return to work the next day.

What are the side effects of upper endoscopy?

The most common side effect is feeling bloated. Some people have nausea due to the drugs used before the procedure. If this happens to you, your doctor may give you medication to cure your nausea. Most people can eat as usual after the procedure.

Other side effects are not that common, but they can occur. These may include:

• Food entering the lungs from the stomach,

• For example, bleeding after a growth has been removed,

• Tear in the lining of the digestive tract,

• Redness or swelling of the skin around the IV.

Should I call my doctor or nurse after an upper endoscopy?

Call your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience any of the following problems after your upper endoscopy:

• Gas Abdominal pain that is much worse than pain or cramps,

• A bloated and hard belly,

• Vomiting,

• Fever,

• Difficulty swallowing or severe sore throat,

• Black stools,

• A "crackling" feeling under the skin on the neck.

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