Upper GI Endoscopy (EGD or Panendoscopy)

Your doctor has ordered an upper gastrointestinal (GAS-troh-in-TES-tuh-nal) (GI) endoscopy (en-DOS-kuh-pee) for you. This test allows your doctor to look at the lining of your esophagus (eh-SOF-uh-gus), stomach, and duodenum (dew-OD-en-um). The esophagus is the long food tube that leads from your mouth to your stomach. The duodenum is the first part of your small intestine.

This test can show abnormal conditions such as ulcers and inflammation. During the test, small tissue samples called biopsies (BY-op-sees) may be taken. The procedure can also be used to dilate, or open, narrowed areas of the esophagus and stomach. This procedure may be done to remove polyps and swallowed objects or to treat bleeding veins and ulcers.

How do I prepare for the test?

Please review the following general guidelines. You will receive specific instructions from your doctor, nurse, or testing center.

 

Medications

Please check with your doctor or testing center for instructions if you are taking any of the following medications:

  • Aspirin
  • Nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (Advil, Motrin, or arthritis medication)
  • Diabetic medicine (insulin, Glucophage, or others)
  • Heart medications
  • Antacids

Dietary

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your test. If your doctor or testing center has told you to take your routine medicine, you may take it with small sips of water only.

 

Please bring

  • A responsible adult who can drive you home- you will receive a sedative and will not be able to drive immediately after the test
  • Prescription slip from doctor
  • Insurance forms and/or referrals
  • List of your medications
  • List of food or medication allergies

What will happen before the test?

You will be asked to sign a consent form. You will put on a hospital gown and be asked to remove dentures, contact lenses or eyeglasses, and jewelry. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be placed in your arm. You will receive medication to numb your throat

 

What will happen after the test?

You will remain in a recovery area until the medication has worn off. This usually takes about one hour. Your nurse will check your blood pressure and heart rate frequently. Your nurse will also check your gag reflex by touching the back of your throat with a cotton swab. You will not be able to eat or drink until your gag reflex has returned.

 

You will feel drowsy, and your throat may feel numb and a little sore after the test. You may also feel slightly bloated for a short time. Your voice may sound a little hoarse, and you may have a cough.

You will receive special discharge instructions before you leave the testing center.

What should I report to my doctor?

Notify your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe or persistent abdominal pain
  • Black, tar-like stool
  • Vomiting

When/how will I get my test results?

Your doctor will discuss the results of your test with you. Talk to your doctor and/or testing center staff about when to get your results.

 

What will happen after the test?

You will remain in a recovery area until the medication has worn off. This usually takes about one hour. Your nurse will check your blood pressure and heart rate frequently. Your nurse will also check your gag reflex by touching the back of your throat with a cotton swab. You will not be able to eat or drink until your gag reflex has returned.

 

You will feel drowsy, and your throat may feel numb and a little sore after the test. You may also feel slightly bloated for a short time. Your voice may sound a little hoarse, and you may have a cough.

You will receive special discharge instructions before you leave the testing center.

What should I report to my doctor?

Notify your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe or persistent abdominal pain
  • Black, tar-like stool
  • Vomiting

When/how will I get my test results?

Your doctor will discuss the results of your test with you. Talk to your doctor and/or testing center staff about when to get your results.

 

What I need to do

  • Schedule an appointment at ____________________________(place)
                                                          on ____________________________ (date)
  • Report to _________________________ at ___________________________(time)
  • Receive specific instructions:________________________________________________________________________
    _______________________________________________________________________________________________
  • Bring prescription, insurance information, and/or referral slip.
  • Bring a list of medications and allergies.
  • Arrange for transportation with a responsible adult driver.

If you have further questions, call:

__________________________________________

__________________________________________
                                                                                                                                                Revised April 2011

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