The American Gastroenterological Association
Provides details on a variety of gastroenterological procedures and patient care.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Healing you from the inside out
You may have symptoms such as bleeding, acid reflux or swallowing problems. If so, your doctor may recommend a gastrointestinal endoscopy.
This procedure helps determine the cause of problems in the esophagus, stomach and upper intestines.
It's an outpatient, non-surgical procedure. It can be done for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Gastrointestinal endoscopy is a generally painless procedure. It takes from five to 30 minutes in most cases. You will be given sedation for the procedure and will not be aware of your time under sedation.
During the endoscopy, your doctor will place a small tube with a camera through your mouth and throat. The doctor will send the tube through the esophagus to your stomach and duodenum.
The duodenum is the first segment of the small intestine. While performing the endoscopy, your doctor will look for inflammation, ulcers and tumors. He or she will obtain biopsies of tissue if necessary.
What to Expect with Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Gastrointestinal endoscopy is a generally painless procedure. It takes from five to 30 minutes in most cases. You will be given sedation for the procedure and will not be aware of your time under sedation.
During the endoscopy, your doctor will place a small tube with a camera through your mouth and throat. The doctor will send the tube through the esophagus to your stomach and duodenum.
The duodenum is the first segment of the small intestine. While performing the endoscopy, your doctor will look for inflammation, ulcers and tumors. He or she will obtain biopsies of tissue if necessary.
If you are having an endoscopy, your doctor will give you specific instructions to prepare. This may include not eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before your procedure.
Because of the anesthesia, you should not drive after the procedure. You should also avoid drinking alcohol and making critical decisions during the day of the procedure.
Preparing for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
If you are having an endoscopy, your doctor will give you specific instructions to prepare. This may include not eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before your procedure.
Because of the anesthesia, you should not drive after the procedure. You should also avoid drinking alcohol and making critical decisions during the day of the procedure.
Most people may resume regular eating after endoscopy. You will be given specific instructions from your doctor if needed. After your endoscopy, you may have a sore or irritated throat for a few days.
After Your Procedure
Most people may resume regular eating after endoscopy. You will be given specific instructions from your doctor if needed. After your endoscopy, you may have a sore or irritated throat for a few days.
If you will be having an endoscopy, consider asking your doctor the following before your procedure:
- Is there any special preparation for the procedure?
- What will it feel like during the procedure? Afterward?
- Should I bring someone with me for transportation?
- Are there limitations to activities after the procedure?
Questions to Ask Your Provider About Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
If you will be having an endoscopy, consider asking your doctor the following before your procedure:
- Is there any special preparation for the procedure?
- What will it feel like during the procedure? Afterward?
- Should I bring someone with me for transportation?
- Are there limitations to activities after the procedure?
Resources
The American Gastroenterological Association
Provides details on a variety of gastroenterological procedures and patient care.
