Are you preparing to have an upper endoscopy (EGD)? At Digestive Healthcare Center, we always want to make sure that your procedure is convenient, comfortable, and provides accurate results. During an EGD, your doctor will examine your upper digestive system with a small camera on the end of a long, flexible tube. Your doctor will use their findings to diagnose and, sometimes, treat conditions that affect the esophagus, stomach, and part of the small intestine.
Your doctor may recommend an endoscopy procedure to:
An endoscopy may also be combined with other procedures, such as an ultrasound. This allows your doctor to take specialized images of your esophagus or stomach. An endoscopic ultrasound may also help your doctor take images of hard-to-reach organs, such as your pancreas.
Preparing for an EGD is not as difficult or time-consuming as preparing for other gastrointestinal procedures, like a colonoscopy. It takes very little preparation, but there are some steps you need to take the day before the procedure. This is so the sedation will go smoothly and the doctor has a clean and empty intestinal tract to examine. There are certain steps you will need to follow the day of your procedure, but considerations should also be taken in the days leading up to the procedure, including:
In addition to the specific instructions given to you by your doctor to prepare for your endoscopy, please follow the guidelines below for any upper endoscopy procedure.
You may have clear liquids until 4 HOURS before your procedure. These include:
During your procedure, you will be sedated. This may cause some side effects once you get home, such as bloating and gas, cramping, and a sore throat. These will improve with time, however, if you’re concerned or uncomfortable, call your doctor. Depending on your individual situation, our physician may give you additional instructions for after your procedure.
Learn more about all things digestive health and wellness by checking out our recent gastroenterology blogs.
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At Digestive Healthcare Center, we want every patient to feel confident in their care and informed about all steps being taken for their health. We encourage you to ask any questions you have before your procedure, so you feel as informed and prepared as possible. If you have any further questions, concerns, or would like to learn more about the Upper GI Endoscopy procedure, please contact us today.
We are proud to offer telemedicine care to patients throughout NJ, allowing patients to consult with one of our expert gastroenterologists via a two-way video call. Setting up and completing a telemedicine visit is extremely simple, and all you need to do to get started is give one of our offices a call or contact us by filling out a form.