10
Andover Road
Portland, Maine 04102
207-761-6642
www.cascobaysurgery.com
Upper
Endoscopy Preparation
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Location:
Date: Time:
Arrival Time:
Description
of the Procedure
I'll
use an intravenous catheter to give you plenty of sedative medication. The
procedure should not be unpleasant. Most people sleep through it peacefully.
I'll pass a small, flexible video camera (endoscope) through your mouth and into
your stomach. This will allow me to inspect your vocal cords, esophagus,
stomach, and first few inches of your small intestine. Depending on what I see,
I might take biopsies, dilate a narrowing, or just take some photos. It usually
takes no longer than 15 minutes Once the medication wears off, you'll be able to
go home, often within a half-hour.
Problems You Can Prevent
Don't eat anything solid within 6 hours of the procedure. Don't drink anything within 4 hours unless you must in order to take prescribed medication. I can see much better and, therefore, do a better inspection when your stomach is empty. Neither of us wants to miss finding a problem because it's hidden under lunch. With food in your stomach, you're also more likely to vomit while sedated, possibly inhaling what you vomit.
Day of Examination
1. Take your usual medications with a small amount of water. *** If you are having a pH (Bravo) study, however, you must be off your anti-reflux medication for 7 days prior to testing and should have been given an additional instruction sheet for that test. ***
2. If your endoscopy is in the afternoon, you may have a light breakfast as long as it will be 6 hours before the procedure.
4.
Wear comfortable,
removable clothing. A
short sleeved shirt is best.
5. You will receive intravenous sedation for the procedure, so bring a family
member or friend to drive you home afterwards.
If you have any questions or problems, please don't hesitate to call us.
Last updated 10/13/08