Whether you need it in advance of a surgical procedure or simply as a diagnostic tool for some mystery symptoms, an upper endoscopy can be quite helpful. However, if you have never had an
endoscopy in Baltimore before, you might be feeling a bit nervous.
At
MD Bariatrics, we believe that knowledge is power, and better understanding the endoscopy procedure can alleviate some of the anxiety you experience. So, here is what you should know about getting an upper endoscopy.
What Is an Upper Endoscopy?
An upper endoscopy is a non-surgical diagnostic procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a light on it, called an endoscope. This scope is used to look at the digestive system, helping the doctor spot areas of concern. The camera transmits images to a screen in the room, and the feed is recorded so the doctor can later isolate images.
Which Parts of the Digestive System Are Viewed?
During the upper endoscopy procedure, the doctor will examine the following parts of the body:
- Esophagus
- Stomach
- Duodenum (top portion of the small intestine)
While this might sound uncomfortable, you will be sedated for the procedure, making it painless for you.
How Do I Prepare for an Upper Endoscopy?
We will offer you all the
tips for preparing for upper endoscopy in advance of your procedure. In most cases, this just involves fasting for at least 6 hours prior to the scheduled time of the endoscopy.
Right before the procedure itself, we will numb the throat and give you both pain medicine and a sedative. This will make you feel a bit drowsy and relaxed, but you will not be fully asleep.
What Happens After an Upper Endoscopy?
Usually, patients need to rest for an hour or two as the sedative wears off. This also gives us a chance to monitor you for any issues that could arise. You may feel a bit bloated since the stomach is slightly inflated during the procedure. Some patients also find that their throat feels a little funny for the day after.
At a follow-up appointment, the doctor will discuss their findings. This could take place the same day as the procedure, though if a biopsy is also taken, it will typically be delayed by a few days. From there, your GI specialist can formulate a treatment plan.
To schedule your upper endoscopy in Baltimore,
contact MD Bariatrics.
