How to Prepare for Your Upper Endoscopy (EGD) in New Jersey
An upper endoscopy (also called an EGD) is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate symptoms affecting the esophagus, stomach, and upper portion of the small intestine. At Digestive Healthcare Center, we provide clear, step-by-step preparation instructions so patients feel confident, informed, and fully prepared before their procedure.
Proper preparation is essential for ensuring accurate results and a safe, comfortable experience.
Why an Upper Endoscopy (EGD) Is Performed
An EGD is commonly recommended to help diagnose and evaluate a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms and conditions. Your gastroenterologist may order this procedure to investigate ongoing issues such as chronic heartburn or GERD, difficulty swallowing, persistent nausea, abdominal pain, unexplained anemia, or signs of inflammation or bleeding in the upper digestive tract.
In some cases, an upper endoscopy is also used to monitor known conditions like Barrett’s esophagus, ulcers, or celiac disease, or to take biopsies for further evaluation.
Proper preparation is essential for ensuring accurate results and a safe, comfortable experience.
How to Prepare Before Your Procedure
To ensure your stomach is completely empty, you will be asked to fast prior to your upper endoscopy. This typically means no solid food for at least 8 hours before your procedure and no clear liquids for a few hours beforehand, depending on your provider’s specific instructions. It is also important to avoid gum, mints, and hard candy during this time, as these can interfere with the exam.
Your physician will give you individualized instructions regarding medications. This is especially important if you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, insulin, GLP-1 medications (such as Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, or similar medications), or medications for heart or seizure conditions. You may be advised to temporarily adjust certain medications prior to your procedure, but you should only do so under the direction of your provider.
If you have chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, your care team will provide tailored guidance to help you safely manage your health while fasting.
The Day of Your Upper Endoscopy
On the day of your procedure, you should continue to avoid food and drink unless otherwise instructed. You may take approved medications with a small sip of water if your doctor has cleared them. Comfortable clothing is recommended, and you should leave jewelry and valuables at home for convenience and safety.
Because sedation is typically used during an EGD, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home afterward. You will not be able to drive or return to work immediately following the procedure.
What to Expect During the Procedure
When you arrive at Digestive Healthcare Center, our team will guide you through check-in and preparation. An IV will be placed, and sedation will be administered to help you remain comfortable throughout the exam.
During the procedure, your gastroenterologist will gently pass a thin, flexible endoscope through your mouth to examine the lining of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The procedure typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes. If needed, small tissue samples (biopsies) may be taken for further testing.
Most patients do not feel or remember the procedure due to sedation, and it is generally well tolerated.
Sedation Safety and Comfort
Sedation is carefully monitored throughout your upper endoscopy to ensure your comfort and safety. Your vital signs are continuously observed by trained medical staff, and the level of sedation is adjusted as needed.
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure and wake up shortly afterward in a recovery area.
After Your Upper Endoscopy
Following your procedure, you will be monitored until the effects of sedation wear off. It is normal to experience mild side effects such as a sore throat, bloating, or drowsiness for a short period after the exam.
Most patients are able to return home the same day and resume normal activities the following day unless otherwise instructed by their physician. Your doctor will review initial findings with you before you leave, and any biopsy results will be shared once they are available.
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure and wake up shortly afterward in a recovery area.
When to Contact Our Office
Although complications are rare, you should contact our office if you experience severe or worsening abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, fever, difficulty swallowing, or significant bleeding after your procedure. Our team is available to support you before and after your EGD to ensure a safe and smooth experience.
Learn More About EGD Procedures from Digestive Healthcare Center in New Jersey
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.