Upper Endoscopy EGD Procedure Preparation

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:

• Examine signs and symptoms. An endoscopy may help your doctor determine what is causing symptoms in the digestive tract, such as nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Diagnose. Your doctor may perform a biopsy to test for diseases and conditions, such as celiac disease, abdominal bloating, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or cancer.
• Treat. Your doctor can utilize an endoscopy to treat problems in your digestive system, such as widening a narrow esophagus or removing a polyp or foreign object.

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.

How to Prepare for an Upper Endoscopy Procedure

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 

What To Do The Day of Your EGD Procedure

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.

EGD Prep Food and Medical Considerations

• You may have clear liquids until 4 HOURS before your procedure (Examples of clear liquids include: water, clear soup broth, clear fruit juice (apple, white cranberry, white grape, etc., coffee/tea (NO MILK), ginger ale or 7-up, jello, popsicles, or Italian Ice).
• You should take your vital medications, including heart, blood pressure, thyroid, and seizure medications as directed 4 HOURS BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE with a small sip of water.
• If you have asthma, use your inhaler as directed and bring it with you.
• Please make sure you have arranged ahead of time for a responsible adult (age 18 or over) to drive you home after the procedure.
• Wear loose comfortable clothing, such as a sweatsuit. NO JEANS and NO METAL – including zippers and bra hooks (sports bras only). Leave all jewelry at home, including belly rings & tongue piercings.

What to Avoid Before an EGD

• Do not eat or drink solid foods or dairy products after midnight or up to 8 hours before the day of your procedure
• Do not consume any fluids with red dye or dairy before your EGD procedure
• Do not consume anything by mouth within the 4 hours prior to your procedure, including water, gum, candy, or mints.
• If you are diabetic, to avoid dangerously low blood sugar, please do not take your oral medications for your diabetes or your insulin on the morning of your procedure. You can resume your diabetes medications after the procedure, once you have eaten. If you are taking insulin, please check with your endocrinologist or primary doctor as to the best way to manage your blood sugar. Please bring your insulin with you. If you are unsure about taking any medications, please call us.
• If you are taking Coumadin, Plavix, or aspirin, it may need to be stopped before your procedure. Please ask your doctor. These medications are usually stopped several days before your procedure.
• If you are a smoker, it is advised that you do not smoke at least 6 hours before the procedure.

Learn More about EGD Procedures from Digestive Healthcare Center in New Jersey

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. We also 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 online or call our office at (862) 217-5141.