Upper Endoscopy (EGD)
Your physician has requested that you have an upper endoscopic examination. An upper GI endoscopy is a visual examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Your Bux-Mont physician will use and endoscope, which is a flexible, fiber-optic device to perform the examination. The appointment will last 2-3 hours but the actual procedure only lasts about 20 minutes. You will be sedated, and it is unlikely that you will experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Some patients experience a mild sore throat for a few hours after the examination.
Preparation for the Exam:
- Discuss with your doctor the medications you take. Your medication schedule may have to be adjusted the week before your upper GI examination.
- Unless otherwise directed by your physician, you should not take aspirin or blood thinners for 4 to 7 days before the procedure.
- If you take blood pressure medication, you should take it in the morning with a small sip of water.
- Diabetic medications should not be taken, but you should bring them with you to the appointment.
- If you are on Coumadin, talk to your doctor for special instructions.
- All other medications must be taken 5 hours before your procedure.
- You must have a ride home from the hospital. Since you will be sedated, you will not be able to safely operate a vehicle or machinery for 24 hours.
- All oral jewelry, such as tongue rings must be removed prior to the procedure.
- Your upper GI endoscopy will be performed at the Harleysville Endo Center, Grand View Hospital in Sellersville, or St. Luke's Hospital in Quakertown. Please make sure that you arrive 30 minutes before your appointment.
- YOU MUST HAVE A RESPONSIBLE PERSON GIVE YOU A RIDE HOME.
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