This overview is a sample of the type of information available to you at Griffin Hospital's Community Health Resource Center. It is not intended to replace your physician's instructions in the management of your health problems, but to better inform you about a particular illness and alert you to the availability of other materials. If you have a question about any piece of information presented in theses fact sheets, please call your physician, or stop by the Community Health Resource Center at your convenience.

ENDOSCOPY

(Upper G.I. Endoscopy, Gastroscopy, Esophagoscopy, Duodenoscopy)

Endoscopy is a procedure that is done to help the doctor examine the inside of your upper gastrointestinal (G.I.) tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. It is done with an instrument called an endoscope -- a thin flexible tube that is passed through your mouth. The endoscope act as a flashlight to light up the inside of your upper intestinal tract, allowing your doctor to see the inside walls and tissues and check for anything unusual or irregular. An endoscopy is often recommended for people with problems with diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, pain, or trouble swallowing. It can detect disorders of the stomach and esophagus, such as ulcers, tumors, polyps, hiatal hernias, narrowed areas (strictures), or places that are bleeding.

You will be asked to not eat or drink anything after midnight before the examination. The test will be performed in a hospital or outpatient setting and will take about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Dentures should be removed before the test begins.

A local anesthetic will be sprayed into your throat, or given to you to gargle. Intravenous (IV) sedation may also be given to help you relax. You will then be asked to swallow the tube. Gagging and an urge to vomit usually pass once the tube is in the esophagus. The tube is then slowly advanced into the stomach and on into the duodenum if necessary. Feelings of heartburn or cramping may occur, but are usually mild. A mouth guard may be placed between your teeth to prevent you from biting the tube. Endoscopy does not interfere with breathing.

Once the tube is positioned in the intestinal tract, the doctor can examine certain areas, take pictures, or remove tissue samples. Other instruments can also be inserted through the tube to take tissue samples (biopsies) or to remove foreign particles. When the examination is over and the tube has been removed, you will be asked to cough to make sure your air passages are clear. Once the local anesthetic has worn off, you will be able to eat and drink.

After the procedure, it is not uncommon to have a sore throat for a few days. If you experience severe stomach pains or vomit a large amount of blood, notify your nurse or doctor right away since this could be a sign of a complication.

Please note that this information is intended to give you a general overview of the topic. It is not intended to replace advice or instruction of a health professional. We recommend that you consult your physician, nurse, or qualified health professional regarding the information in this publication. © 1994 Planetree, Inc. Reproduction of this material in any form is limited to license agreement.

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