During an endoscopy of the abdominal cavity, a doctor will examine the digestive tract through a thin tube called an endoscope. The camera attached to the endoscope will transmit images to a video monitor in the exam room. The procedure can take as little as 15 minutes to as much as an hour.
There are many different types of endoscopy procedures. Some are performed as outpatient procedures, while others require a stay in the hospital. Before scheduling the procedure, patients should ask their health care provider about what to expect. The type of preparation that is needed for an endoscopy will depend on the specific type of test that is being performed.
Some endoscopies involve a biopsy of tissue. These tests can be useful in determining the causes of a variety of symptoms. The tissue may be collected for further examination under a microscope. The results of an endoscopy are usually known right after the procedure. The test will allow the healthcare provider to determine if the symptoms can be treated with other methods, or if surgery is required.
For some procedures, the patient may be woken up, while other endoscopies are performed under general anesthesia. The doctor will give the patient a sedative to help them relax. This may make the procedure less painful. Medications used to numb the area of the GI tract may also be given.
Depending on the type of test, the patient may need to take laxatives or enemas. These drugs will help the bowel move more easily during the procedure. The patient should avoid eating or drinking solid food for at least four hours before the procedure. If the patient is undergoing an endoscopy under general anesthesia, they should not eat or drink for six to eight hours.
A blood test is also sometimes done before the procedure to check for problems that can be treated without an endoscopy. Those who are taking anticoagulant drugs or blood thinners may experience increased bleeding during the procedure. If there is significant bleeding, the patient may need a blood transfusion. The doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of this type of testing before the procedure.
For some endoscopy procedures, the doctor will ask the patient to stop taking certain medications before the procedure. Some blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can increase the risk of bleeding. Other medications, such as antibiotics and antiplatelet agents, can reduce the risk of bleeding. If you are taking these medications, you should let your doctor know before the procedure.
Before undergoing an upper endoscopy, patients are typically given sedatives to help them relax. The sedative will likely be given through a vein in the forearm. This may cause a person to have difficulty with memory and judgment, which can prolong the procedure. The patient will need someone to drive them home from the facility. If the patient is unable to drive, they will be transferred to a hospital.
During the procedure, a small amount of air is fed into the esophagus to inflate the GI tract. This allows the endoscope to be manipulated more easily. The patient may feel fullness, pressure, or gagging. These side effects will disappear quickly after the procedure.
