What is an Upper Endoscopy?
An upper endoscopy is a procedure used to diagnose and treat medical conditions of the upper digestive system, which includes the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The procedure is done in a Hollywood, Florida hospital or general surgery outpatient center. An upper endoscopy uses a flexible tube with a camera at the end, which will be used to take pictures of your stomach, esophagus and duodenum.
An upper endoscopy performed in a general surgery outpatient center or hospital carries a very small potential risk of complications. Following your doctors instructions for endoscopy preparation carefully will reduce this risk even further.
Pre-procedure instruction usually includes stopping some medications. You will be instructed to stop eating and drinking at least six to eight hours prior to your upper endoscopy, whether it is being performed in a hospital or in an outpatient clinic.
In most cases, you’ll be given a mild sedative to help you feel relaxed during the procedure. You won’t be able to drive after the procedure, so arrange to have someone drive you home.
An upper endoscopy generally takes about 20 minutes. Your doctors will be looking for abnormalities located in your upper digestive tract. Your physician may also need to collect a sample or remove a growth during the procedure. You may receive some results right away, such as an ulcer finding. However, if a biopsy of a tissue sample was taken, it may take a few days to receive your results.
After your upper endoscopy, you may experience a sore throat, cramping, bloating or gas, which will be temporary.