How long does upper endoscopy take?

Air is often put into the stomach through the scope to make it easier to see. The procedure usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes, but it might take longer, depending on what's being done.

How long does an endoscopy take from start to finish?

An upper endoscopy takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. A colonoscopy takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes.

Do they put you to sleep for an upper endoscopy?

Most, but not all, people are sedated during the procedure, and will remember little to nothing when they wake up; and very few people have any complications. So, if you are scheduled for an upper endoscopy procedure, here is an overview of what you can expect.

Is upper GI endoscopy painful?

Your doctor may ask you to swallow as the scope passes down your throat. You may feel some pressure in your throat, but you shouldn't feel pain.

What can I expect after an upper endoscopy?

There is minimal recovery involved with the upper endoscopy procedure, and little discomfort. Post-procedure symptoms may include grogginess from the sedation, a feeling of bloating, sore throat, nausea, difficulty swallowing, and mild pain where the IV was inserted. These usually resolve within 48 hours.

Endoscopy Introduction - The Patient Journey

How do you stay calm during an endoscopy?

General relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation and mindfulness are also fantastic ways to keep yourself relaxed.

What type of cancers can an endoscopy detect?

This procedure is used to check for stomach cancer. An upper endoscopy—called endoscopic gastroduodenoscopy (EGD)—is a procedure that helps find most stomach cancers. During this test, a doctor looks inside your stomach with a thin, lighted tube called an endoscope.

What happens if you vomit during endoscopy?

If you vomit during the test and some of the vomit enters your lungs, aspiration pneumonia is a possible risk. An irregular heartbeat may happen during the test. But it almost always goes away on its own without treatment. The risk of problems is higher in people who have serious heart disease.

How long does it take for sedation to wear off after endoscopy?

Sedation can take up to 24 hours to completely wear off, and it is recommended that you do not drive or operate heavy machinery, so it is important to organise alternative transport home. General anaesthetics can take a little longer to recover from.

What diseases can be detected by an endoscopy?

Should I be nervous about an endoscopy?

It's normal to be nervous before your endoscopy but knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable during the procedure. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions on what to do, and what not to do, during that period leading up to your procedure.

Do you gag during an endoscopy?

The endoscope is then passed through the mouthpiece and gently brought up against your throat by the examiner's finger. At this point you will be asked to swallow the tube. At first that seems to be a tall order! It is normal to gag, but the reflex usually settles once the tube is passed.

Can I drive home after an endoscopy?

The sedation is to promote comfort to the patient, but will make the patient groggy for several hours and slow reflexes for up to 12 hours. This is why you cannot drive your car or perform activities that require quick reflexes until the following morning.

What level of sedation is used for endoscopy?

The level of sedation can be minimal (you'll feel drowsy but able to talk and follow directions), moderate (you may fall asleep), or deep (you will fall asleep). Under moderate or deep sedation, you're likely to have no memory of the procedure, but you will not be unconscious.

What anesthesia is used for endoscopy?

A medication called propofol is typically used. At very high doses, it can achieve “general anesthesia” as used in surgeries. Deep sedation requires closer patient monitoring during endoscopy. In many places, its use requires anesthesia personnel and may involve additional patient costs through insurance.

What should you avoid before an endoscopy?

Nothing to eat or drink at least 8 hours before the procedure. Medication can be taken 4 hours before examination with little sips of water. DO NOT TAKE ANY ANTACIDS OR CARAFATE BEFORE THE PROCEDURE or any of the medications mentioned. Wear loose comfortable clothing.

What happens if you drink water before an endoscopy?

Aspiration occurs when food or liquid gets into the lungs. This can happen if you eat or drink before the procedure. Make sure to follow your doctor's instructions about fasting to prevent this complication.

Can you swallow during endoscopy?

You will not be able to swallow the saliva that may collect in your mouth during the procedure. This happens because the tube is in your throat. The saliva will be suctioned from your mouth from time to time.

Can you get diarrhea after an endoscopy?

Common new symptoms that developed after gastrointestinal endoscopy were abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, globus sensation, anxiety disorder and depression.

Does endoscopy check pancreas?

Upper endoscopy can be used along with x-rays to look at (and sometimes treat problems in) the pancreas and bile ducts. This type of procedure is known as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). For this test, a doctor passes an endoscope down into the first part of the small intestine.

Is endoscopy better than CT scan?

Both procedures are relatively safe; CT does expose you to radiation (at a safe level) and if IV contrast dye is used to enhance CT images, some people may be allergic or have the possibility of kidney damage while endoscopy has the risk of bowel perforation and allergic reaction to anesthesia drugs.

What age should you get an endoscopy?

Synopsis: Current guidelines recommend upper endoscopy for any patient with onset of symptoms after 45 years of age or with alarm symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, recurrent vomiting, dysphagia, hematemesis or melena, anemia, or palpable mass.

Is endoscopy considered surgery?

Summary. Endoscopy is a medical procedure that allows a doctor to inspect and observe the inside of the body without performing major surgery. An endoscope is a long, usually flexible tube with a lens at one end and a video camera at the other.

How long does it take for propofol to wear off after endoscopy?

The elimination half-life of propofol is approximately 0.5 h to 1.5 h. This drug has a very fast clearance and therefore can be administered as a continuous infusion or as multiple boluses without any accumulative effects.

Why does propofol make you sleep?

The researchers found that propofol restricted the movement of a key protein — syntaxin1A — that's required at the synapses of all neurons. That lowers communication between brain neurons.