What to Expect During and After an Upper Endoscopy

You might wonder what to anticipate if an upper endoscopy is scheduled in your future. This is a routine test that allows your gastroenterologist to visualize your upper digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach, and the beginning of your small intestine. At Digestive Disease Physicians in Alexandria, VA, we do everything we can to make this test painless and helpful.

Why You Need an Upper Endoscopy

You are typically advised to get an upper endoscopy if you experience persistent heartburn, dysphagia or trouble swallowing, unexplained pain in your abdomen, bleeding in your digestive system, or ongoing vomiting and emesis. It can be utilized to follow up on such conditions as an ulcer or Barrett's esophagus and to obtain biopsies if needed.

What Occurs in the Process

The test is typically performed under light sedation to keep you comfortable and relaxed—you likely won’t remember much of the procedure. While you lie on your side, a flexible tube called an endoscope is gently passed through your mouth and down your throat. The endoscope contains a tiny camera that sends images to a video screen, giving your doctor a detailed view of your digestive tract. The procedure usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes.

If your doctor notices something abnormal, like a growth or an area of inflammation, the doctor can do a biopsy, which is painless and done through the endoscope.

After the Endoscopy

Once the sedation wears off, you’ll be monitored in a recovery room to ensure you're stable before heading home. Feeling drowsy for a few hours afterward is normal, so you’ll need someone to drive you. You may experience a mild sore throat or a feeling of bloating, but these effects are usually short-lived. Your doctor will let you know when it’s safe to resume eating and drinking.

When to Follow Up

Your doctor will discuss the test results with you and plan what to do next if they are ready. If biopsies were taken, the results can be ready within a week.

Book Your Endoscopy with Confidence

Call Digestive Disease Physicians in Alexandria, VA, at (703) 751-5763 if your doctor has scheduled an upper endoscopy or if you would like to hear more about the subject. Our courteous staff will be happy to answer all your questions and ease your mind about digestive care excellence.