WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Upper gastrointestinal (GAS-troh-in-TES-tin-uhl)
endoscopy (en-DOS-co-pee) is a visual examination of your
esophagus, stomach, and first part of the intestine with a
fiberoptic instrument. Tissue may be taken for
tests.
Risks
There is a small chance of injury
to your esophagus, stomach, or intestine during the test.
Liquid or other matter could get into your lungs.
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE
HOSPITAL...
Before You Go
-
Your doctor will tell you when you must stop eating.
DO NOT eat or drink after that time.
-
If your doctor says you need to empty your bowel, you
may have to take a laxative or other medicine to clear it
out.
What to Expect While You're
There
You may encounter the following
procedures and equipment during your stay:
-
Taking Your Vital Signs: These include your
temperature, blood pressure, pulse (counting your
heartbeats), and respirations (counting your breaths). A
stethoscope is used to listen to your heart and lungs. Your
blood pressure is taken by wrapping a cuff around your
arm.
-
Pulse Oximeter: You may be hooked up to a pulse
oximeter (ox-IM-uh-ter). It is placed on your ear, finger,
or toe and is connected to a machine. It measures the
oxygen in your blood.
-
IV: A tube placed in your vein for giving medicine
or liquids. It will be capped or have tubing connected to
it.
-
Medicine: You may be given medicine to help prevent
pain during the test.
-
During the Endoscopy:
-
You will be asked to lie on your left side with one
knee bent. You may have to wear a mouthpiece to keep your
mouth in the right position. A suction tube may be used
to drain saliva out of your mouth.
-
A soft tube will be put into your mouth. As you
swallow, the tube will go down your throat. The tip of
the tube contains a light and camera lenses. The camera
will display pictures on a TV-like screen as the tube
advances down your throat.
-
Air may be pumped into your stomach to give the
camera an unobstructed view. This may result in a feeling
of pressure or bloating.
-
A sample of tissue from inside your throat,
stomach, or intestine may be taken for
tests.
-
The procedure will take about 30
minutes.
After You Leave
-
If medicine has made you drowsy, do not
drive.
-
You may resume normal activities and begin eating and
drinking as soon as you feel up to it.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You have a generally ill feeling, headache, chills,
and muscle aches.
-
You develop a temperature over 101 degrees F (38.3
degrees C).
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You begin to vomit blood or have black
stools.
-
You feel dizzy, short of breath, or
faint.
-
You have problems swallowing.
-
You develop nausea, vomiting, and sharp pain in your
stomach.
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