Endoscopy Patient Information
If you have been scheduled for an Upper GI (UGI/EGD) or colonoscopy, your physician will look directly into the upper and/or lower part of your digestive tract and intestines using a thin tube which allows pictures of your GI tract to be transmitted onto a video screen. Both tests require special preparation to assure the best possible results. For an Upper GI endoscopy (UGI/EGD), no food or drink after midnight the night before your exam. If your exam is in the afternoon, drink only clear liquids in the morning; no eating or drinking anything 6 hours before the exam. For a colonoscopy, your rectum and colon must be empty. To assure this you must follow the diet and bowel prep instructions exactly. If you don’t, it may cause you to have to reschedule the test.
You will be brought to an endoscopy suite on the same cart that your procedure will be performed. If you are having an UGI/EGD, your throat may be numbed with a spray. You will also be given medication through your IV to relax and sedate you. Then, you will swallow a tube that is thinner than most pieces of food. The tube will not affect your breathing. If you are having a colonoscopy, a tube will be inserted through your rectum. The purpose of these tests is to visualize your esophagus and stomach or large colon. Sometime biopsies are taken, which is painless, and polyps removed if medically necessary. You will be given specific discharge instructions to follow at home which include notifying your physician of extreme pain or significant bleeding and getting plenty of rest and relaxation after your procedure.
