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Upper GI Endoscopy: What to Expect at Home

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Your Recovery

You had an upper GI endoscopy. Your doctor used a thin, lighted tube that bends to look at the inside of your esophagus, your stomach, and the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum.

After you have an endoscopy, you will stay at the hospital or clinic for 1 to 2 hours. This will allow the medicine to wear off. You will be able to go home after your doctor or nurse checks to make sure that you're not having any problems.

You may have to stay overnight if you had treatment during the test. You may have a sore throat for a day or two after the test.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about what to expect after the test.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Activity

  • Rest as much as you need to after you go home.
  • You should be able to go back to your usual activities the day after the test.

Diet

  • Follow your doctor's directions for eating after the test.
  • Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor has told you not to).

Medications

  • If you have a sore throat the day after the test, use an over-the-counter spray to numb your throat.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You passed out (lost consciousness).
  • You have trouble breathing.
  • You pass maroon or bloody stools.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have pain that does not get better after your take pain medicine.
  • You have new or worse belly pain.
  • You have blood in your stools.
  • You are sick to your stomach and cannot keep fluids down.
  • You have a fever.
  • You cannot pass stools or gas.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • Your throat still hurts after a day or two.
  • You do not get better as expected.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter J454 in the search box to learn more about "Upper GI Endoscopy: What to Expect at Home".

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.