What To Expect During An Endoscopy
Nov 23, 2022
Endoscopy is a diagnostic we use to evaluate the upper portion of your digestive tract, including your throat, stomach, and duodenum (first part of small intestines). It consists of using a small camera we insert through your mouth. Then, either Dr. Ernest Ribera of Burlingame Gastroenterology & Hepatology, serving Burlingame, CA, and the nearby region, will monitor findings in real-time. Knowing what to expect during this procedure can put your mind at ease.
One of our Burlingame, CA, practitioners will discuss with you how to prepare for the test. Fortunately, there isn't much prep involved on your end. You'll be advised to refrain from eating or drinking anything for four to eight hours before your appointment.
Our gastroenterologist will ask you to stop taking certain vitamins and medications. Prior to stopping any prescription medications, always consult with us and/or the prescribing doctor first.
Before the procedure, you'll need to change into a hospital gown. Next, our practitioner will start an IV line. This allows you to receive medication and hydration throughout the procedure.
Next, you'll need to lie on your left side. We'll ask you to place a mouthguard over your teeth.
We'll then start the procedure. If you received sedation, you'll be asleep for this. But, while you're sleeping, our practitioner will gently insert the gastroscope through your esophagus. While performing the procedure, your doctor will watch on a TV screen and assess for any problems. In total, this procedure tends to take between 10 to 20 minutes.
If you're receiving any other procedures during this time, our physician will perform that as well.
Once the procedure is over, you'll remain at our location until the sedation wears off. This ensures there aren't any complications when the medication is wearing off. We can intervene as necessary if any would occur.
You'll be fuzzy for a bit after the procedure. This is normal and from the sedation. We ask all of our patients undergoing this procedure to have someone available to drive them home after the procedure for this reason.
The rest of the day, you should take it easy and not return to work or use any heavy machinery.
You won't feel any pain after the procedure besides a possible sore throat. Some bloating is possible.
Dr. Ribera of Burlingame Gastroenterology & Hepatology in Burlingame, CA, uses endoscopy to determine the cause and severity of your digestive problems. We may also recommend it to monitor a condition. With that said, fortunately, it's a rather simple procedure that isn't known to cause many complications or even pain.
Book an appointment today by calling (650) 342-6506.