Endoscopy

A gastrointestinal endoscopy enables us to see the inside lining of your digestive tract. The examination is performed using an endoscope, a flexible fiber-optic tube with a light source and tiny camera attached to it. The images that the endoscope captures are relayed to an external monitor. Endoscopy is mainly utilized as a diagnostic tool, but specially adapted endoscopes can also be used to treat certain conditions. An endoscopy typically evaluates and monitors gastrointestinal problems, including ulcers and muscle spasms.

Why It’s Done

An endoscopy is performed to allow the doctor to look at the inside of your esophagus (food pipe), stomach, duodenum (first part of small bowel), and colon (large bowel). The endoscopy will show if there are any abnormal areas or unusual growths. Biopsies of abnormal tissue are usually taken during the endoscopy.

What to Expect

You can have an endoscopy done while you are awake or after being injected with a sedative. It can be performed on an outpatient or inpatient basis. If you opt to have the endoscopy done while you are fully awake, we will spray the back of your throat to numb it and make it easier for you to swallow the endoscope. If you choose to be injected with a sedative, you must be accompanied by someone who can drive you home after the procedure because the sedative will make you very drowsy and affect your motor skills.

You will be advised not to eat or drink six to eight hours before the test to ensure that your stomach and duodenum are empty. The doctor will provide you with specific written instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. When you arrive at the clinic, you may be asked to remove your shirt and wear a hospital gown. Then, you will be asked to lie down on the examination table.

The doctor will pass the endoscope down your throat to the area that needs to be examined. You will be asked to swallow as the endoscope goes down, but if you decide to take a sedative beforehand, you won’t be fully aware of what is happening during the procedure