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.

Read more: All About Upper Endoscopy Procedure

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 the Ascension Saint Agnes Bariatric Surgery team of qualified doctors will conduct the procedure with the utmost expertise. At Ascension Saint Agnes Bariatric Surgery, you can also get top rated top rated bariatric surgeons in Maryland and weight loss surgeons for weight-loss surgeries in Maryland.