Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy: Before Your Procedure

An upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to look at the inside lining of your esophagus, your stomach, and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). A thin, flexible viewing tool called an endoscope (scope) is used. The tip of the scope is inserted through your mouth and then gently moved down your throat into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

This procedure is sometimes called esophagogastroduodenoscopy (say “ih-SOF-uh-go-GAS-tro-DOO-aw-duh-NAW-skuh-pee”), or EGD.

Using the scope, your doctor can look for ulcers, inflammation, tumors, infection, or bleeding. The procedure also can be used to look for signs of acid backing up into your esophagus. This is called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. The doctor can collect tissue samples (biopsy), remove polyps, and treat bleeding through the scope. Your doctor may find problems that do not show up on X-ray tests.

Procedures can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your procedure.

Preparing for the procedure

• Do not eat or drink anything for 6 to 8 hours before the procedure. An empty stomach helps your doctor see your stomach clearly during the procedure. It also reduces your chances of vomiting. If you vomit, there is a small risk that the vomit could enter your lungs. (This is called aspiration.) If the procedure is done in an emergency, a tube may be inserted through your nose or mouth to empty your stomach.
• Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
• Understand exactly what procedure is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
• Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your procedure. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the procedure and how soon to do it.
• Remember to follow your doctor's instructions about taking or stopping medicines before the procedure. This includes over-the-counter medicines.
• If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your procedure. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
• Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance directive. If you don’t have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It’s a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.

• Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your procedure may be canceled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of the procedure, take them with only a sip of water.
• Take a bath or shower before you come in for your procedure. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.
• Take off all jewelry and piercings. And take out contact lenses, if you wear them.

At the hospital or surgery center

• Bring a picture ID.
• The procedure may take 15 to 30 minutes.
• The doctor may spray medicine on the back of your throat to numb it. You also will get medicine to prevent pain and to relax you.
• You will lie on your left side. The doctor will put the scope in your mouth and toward the back of your throat. The doctor will tell you when to swallow. This helps the scope move down your throat. You will be able to breathe normally. The doctor will move the scope down your esophagus into your stomach. The doctor also may look at the duodenum.
• If your doctor wants to take a sample of tissue for a biopsy, they may use small surgical tools, which are put into the scope, to cut off some tissue. You will not feel a biopsy, if one is taken. The doctor also can use the tools to stop bleeding or to do other treatments, if needed.
• You will stay at the hospital or surgery center for 1 to 2 hours until the medicine you were given wears off.

• After the endoscopy, you may belch and feel bloated for a while.
• You may have a tickling, dry throat or mouth. You may feel a bit hoarse, and you may have a mild sore throat. These symptoms may last several days. Throat lozenges and warm saltwater gargles can help relieve the throat symptoms.
• Ask your doctor when you can drive again.
• Your doctor will tell you when you can go back to doing your usual activities and eating your usual foods.

• You have questions or concerns.
• You don't understand how to prepare for your procedure.
• You become ill before the procedure (such as fever, flu, or a cold).
• You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about having the procedure.