Endoscopy Archives - Maryland Bariatrics

All About Upper Endoscopy Procedure

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.

Tips to Prepare for an Upper Endoscopy

Written by Jeff Tormey on April 15, 2021. Posted in Endoscopy. No Comments on Tips to Prepare for an Upper Endoscopy

Let’s be honest: nobody wants an endoscopy. Unfortunately, at some point in our lives, many of us will need to undergo a medical procedure that necessitates just that. Upper endoscopy, also known as an EGD, is one such procedure. It is a non-surgical way for doctors to look at the digestive tract so that they can diagnose and treat some gastrointestinal diseases and disorders. The procedure covers the esophageal tract, stomach, and the upper part of the small intestine. It is used to determine whether you have conditions like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), esophageal or intestinal strictures, Crohn’s disease, or Celiac disease

How an Upper Endoscopy is Done

The procedure uses a thin tube called a gastroscope. The gastroscope has a small light and video camera attached at the end. It is lowered into the mouth, through the esophagus, into the stomach, and then the duodenum. The video camera is used to capture and record the images seen by the tube and projects them onto a monitor. Sometimes the gastroscope can have tools attached to it, whether it is to collect samples for a biopsy, or to perform procedures like laser therapy.

Upper Endoscopy Preparation Tips

Preparation for endoscopy requires avoiding certain foods, drinks, and medication at a specified time. Here are some endoscopy procedure preparations you can do to ease your anxiety:

Talk to your doctor: the most essential part of upper endoscopy preparation is talking to your doctor. The doctor will let you know what you need to prepare for the procedure, e.g. if you are on medication, which ones you should stop taking and at what time before the procedure. You can contact top rated bariatric surgeons in Maryland for any questions you have about upper endoscopy procedures.
Know when to stop eating and drinking: another prep for endoscopy you need to take is to stop eating and drinking well in advance of the procedure. This reduces the likelihood of your stomach contents refluxing and being breathed into the lungs. A weight loss surgeon in Maryland or anywhere else will tell you how many hours before the procedure you should stop eating.
Arrange for someone to take you home: an endoscopy might require sedation, and you will not be in a state to drive yourself home afterwards. Arrange for a friend or family member to take you home after the procedure.
Expect mild discomfort: Although the procedure is minimally invasive, you might experience some discomfort like a sore throat or bloating afterwards. You can use over-the-counter medications approved by your doctor, eat ice pops, or walk around regularly to ease the discomfort. The symptoms should clear within a few days.

Upper Endoscopy Baltimore

If you need an upper endoscopy in Baltimore, rest assured that MD Bariatrics’ team of qualified doctors will conduct the procedure with utmost expertise. At MD Bariatrics, you can also get top rated bariatric surgeons in Maryland and weight loss surgeons for weight-loss surgeries in Maryland.