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Upper GI Endoscopy
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The center also offers Upper GI endoscopy examinations, which visualize the upper gastrointestinal tract using a lighted, flexible video endoscope. This simple, outpatient procedure provides significant information upon which a diagnosis and specific treatment can be made and given for a number of conditions and symptoms such as ulcers, tumors of the stomach or esophagus, upper abdominal pain or indigestion, difficulty in swallowing, intestinal bleeding, heartburn, and gastritis. There are several benefits to this type of testing. If a bleeding site is identified, treatment can stop the bleeding. If a polyp is found, it can potentially be removed through the endoscope. Furthermore, other treatments can be given through the endoscope when necessary. |
| Necessary
Preparations |
If your upper
intestinal tract is to be examined by Gastroscopy, all you need to do is remain
fasting after midnight the night before your scheduled procedure unless
otherwise instructed.
If you are having the lower intestinal tract examined by Colonoscopy, you will need to prepare your colon. On the day before the procedure, you should take only clear fluids, such as tea, broth, carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks, juices and jello. In addition, a laxative is required. You should drink 1.5 oz. of Fleet PhosphoSoda mixed with 5 oz. of water at 6:00 p.m. the day before your procedure and repeat the same dose at 6:00 a.m. on the morning of your procedure unless otherwise instructed. No aspirin products (examples: Bayer, Bufferin, Ascriptin, Ecotrin) or anti-inflammatory drugs (examples: Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Naproxin, Daypro, Aleve) should be taken for 10 days before your colonoscopy. If you have Diabetes, kidney disease, heart valve disease, or take blood thinners (coumadin, persantine, dipyridimole) please notify this office for special instructions. If you have any questions regarding medicines and preparations, the center staff will be available to discuss this with you. You will be receiving IV conscious sedation consisting of intravenous versed valium and/or demerol. This puts you in a "twilight state". When you leave, you may feel perfectly normal, but your reflexes may still be impaired by the drugs and you cannot drive for at least 8 hours. This is not anesthesia! You are actually functioning on your own. But you will feel little or no discomfort and may not actually remember the procedure being done. |
| Results | Most of the findings of your endoscopy will be available to you immediately after the procedure. Before you leave, you will have an exit visit with your doctor, who will explain those findings. If biopsies or cultures were taken, these will not be ready for a few days. The Center will contact you and your doctor with the results. |