Upper Endoscopy and/or Esophageal Dilatation

 

Q. What do I have to do to prepare myself for this procedure?

A. Have nothing to eat or drink after midnight.

 

Q. I am on a blood thinner, do I need to stop this?

A. Yes, blood thinners are stopped prior to the procedure. Be sure to address this with your doctor or one of our staff to find out when this should be stopped.

 

Q. Will I be sedated?

A. Yes. A. If you are having a colonoscopy or a upper endoscopy, you will be sedated. This is not general anesthesia but most people remember nothing about the procedure. Our goal is to keep this from being a painful experience. Cystoscopy and sigmoidoscopy procedures usually do not require sedation.

 

Q. Will I need a driver?

A. Yes, because of the sedation you will not be allowed to drive away from the facility. It is recommended you do not drive for 24 hours.

Q. Can you see my gall bladder?

A. No, the procedure only visualizes the inside of the upper GI tract. The gall bladder is a separate organ and requires a different type test.

 

Q. Why does my esophagus need to be stretched?

A. Frequent reflux and indigestion leads to scar tissue which narrows the esophagus. The result is difficulty swallowing and worsening reflux. The esophagus is stretched to bring it back to a more normal size opening.