What to Expect From an Endoscopy Visit

Undergoing a medical procedure can bring a degree of uncertainty. For patients referred for a gastrointestinal evaluation, understanding the process can help ease concerns. An upper endoscopy gives physicians important diagnostic information about your digestive health. This guide explains the purpose, preparation, and recovery involved in this common procedure. Learn how our medical team at Associates in Gastroenterology, PC, in Colorado Springs performs the exam. We also cover when pathology results usually return and how to plan your day around the appointment.

Resource: mayoclinic.org

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Understanding the Basics of Endoscopy

An upper endoscopy, also known as an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), is a diagnostic test performed by a gastroenterologist that allows for an internal view of the inside lining of the digestive tract, starting with the esophagus, the stomach, and the first section of the small intestine, the duodenum. During an endoscopy, a gastroenterologist uses an endoscope, a long, thin, flexible tube with a light and video camera at the end, which is guided through the mouth and into the upper digestive tract while a monitor in the exam room displays live images.

Identifying the Purpose of the Procedure

Upper endoscopy is used by doctors to evaluate a person’s gastrointestinal anatomy and find the cause of digestive symptoms. If you suffer from chronic acid reflux, persistent nausea, chronic abdominal pain, or dysphagia, you might require an upper GI examination. This diagnostic test can reveal problems that standard X-rays or other diagnostic tests done externally may not show. In some cases, the doctor can also use an endoscope to pass small instruments through the digestive tract. In the event the gastroenterologist encounters abnormal tissue during an upper endoscopy, a biopsy can be taken for further analysis, or the scope can be used to dilate (stretch) a narrowing of the esophagus or to treat active bleeding.

Recognizing When You Need an Evaluation

Your primary care doctor or specialist may refer you for an upper GI exam if you are having symptoms of a specific digestive condition. If you’re having frequent heartburn that does not respond to antacids or other over-the-counter treatments, this may be one reason your physician recommends an upper endoscopy. Other symptoms that might warrant this procedure are unexplained weight loss, chronic vomiting, or a sensation that food is stuck in your chest. This test can help to diagnose many different diseases, including stomach ulcers, a hiatal hernia, or esophagitis. The procedure is also useful for identifying Barrett’s esophagus and looking for signs of gastrointestinal cancer at an early stage.

How Should You Prepare for Your Endoscopy?

Proper preparation plays a major role in the success and safety of the procedure. The upper digestive tract must be clear of food and liquids so the doctor can see the tissue clearly. Leftover food particles can block the view and make it harder to identify ulcers, irritation, or abnormal cells. Preparation also helps reduce the risk of aspiration during sedation. Aspiration happens when stomach contents enter the lungs while a patient is sedated. Following the fasting instructions from your clinic helps lower this risk and supports a smoother procedure.

Resource: my.clevelandclinic.org

Preparation and Dietary Restrictions

Patients must follow strict fasting instructions before their appointment. In most cases, you must stop eating solid food at least eight hours before arriving at the clinic. This gives your stomach enough time to empty fully. Liquid restrictions are equally important. You will usually need to stop drinking water, clear broth, and black coffee four to six hours before the procedure. Chewing gum, hard candy, and breath mints should also be avoided, since they can stimulate stomach acid production.

Managing Your Medications

Your medical team needs a complete list of your prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and daily supplements. Some medications can interfere with the procedure or raise the risk of complications. Blood thinners, for example, can increase bleeding risk if the doctor needs to take a biopsy or remove a polyp. Some patients will also need to adjust their diabetes medications before the procedure. Fasting can affect blood sugar levels, and taking your usual insulin dose without eating may lead to low blood sugar. Always follow the specific medication instructions provided by your gastroenterologist.

What to Expect for the Clinical Procedure

Associates in Gastroenterology, PC has created a procedure setting with your best interests in mind. We want to ensure that you have a safe and comfortable procedure. When you arrive at the procedure clinic, the nursing staff will take your vital signs, review your medical history, collect any needed samples, and help you change into a gown. The procedure team will then insert an IV line into your arm or hand, which allows the sedative to go directly into your bloodstream. Monitoring equipment will also be attached to track your vital signs during the visit.

Steps Taken in the Exam Room

Once you are in the procedure room, you will lie on your left side. The team may spray a local anesthetic into the back of your throat to help reduce the gag reflex. A small plastic mouth guard will also be placed between your teeth to protect your mouth and the endoscope. After the sedative takes effect, the gastroenterologist will guide the endoscope through your mouth and into your upper digestive tract. The scope is thin and designed to pass through the upper digestive tract safely during the exam, and the sedation helps keep you comfortable during the exam. A small amount of air is introduced through the scope so the doctor can get a clear view of the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Sedation and Comfort Measures

Many clinics use either moderate sedation or deep sedation for upper endoscopy procedures. Moderate sedation, sometimes called conscious sedation, helps you relax and feel drowsy while still breathing on your own. Deep sedation uses stronger medication, such as propofol, to place you in a sleep-like state. Both options commonly include medication that makes it difficult to remember the procedure. Many patients wake up with little or no memory of the exam and describe the experience as feeling like a short nap.

Recovery and Post-Procedure Guidelines

Recovery focuses on allowing the sedative medication to wear off safely. After the doctor removes the endoscope, nurses will take you to a recovery area where they can monitor you closely as you wake up. Most patients spend about 30 to 45 minutes in recovery. During that time, the staff will remove your IV, monitor your vital signs, and make sure you are alert enough for discharge. Once you can sit up, drink fluids, and communicate clearly, you will be ready to go home.

Immediate Aftercare in the Clinic

Before you leave, your gastroenterologist will usually review the initial findings with you. They may explain whether they saw irritation, ulcers, or structural changes during the exam. If biopsies were taken or polyps were removed, they will explain what the laboratory will evaluate, and you will also receive written discharge instructions. Sedation can affect judgment, memory, and reaction time for up to 24 hours, so you cannot drive yourself home. A family member or friend must take you home and help you get settled safely.

Resuming Normal Activities at Home

Most patients recover well and have only mild side effects. You may notice a sore throat from the numbing spray and the passage of the endoscope. Warm liquids, throat lozenges, and soft foods may help ease discomfort during the first day. Some patients also feel temporary bloating or mild cramping. This usually happens because air is introduced into the stomach during the procedure. Resting and passing gas will usually relieve the sensation fairly quickly. Plan to spend the rest of the day resting, and avoid making important legal or financial decisions until the next day.

Analyzing the Results and Next Steps

Understanding your results often involves more than one step. The visual exam gives the doctor immediate information, but some conditions can only be confirmed through biopsy and laboratory testing. This process helps your doctor make an accurate diagnosis and recommend the next step in your care.

Timeline for Pathology Reports

If your doctor collects tissue samples during the procedure, those samples are sent to an outside pathology laboratory. Pathologists examine cells under a microscope to detect infection, inflammation, or precancerous changes. This process takes time, so the results can be reviewed carefully. In most cases, final pathology results are available within one to two weeks. Once the physician has reviewed the report, a member of our clinical team will contact you to explain the findings and discuss the next steps for your care.

Selecting the Right Provider

Choosing an experienced gastroenterology team is an important part of your care. Look for board-certified physicians who focus on digestive diseases and perform these procedures regularly. Established practices often have strong safety protocols and access to modern endoscopic equipment. Associates in Gastroenterology, PC, proudly serves patients in Colorado Springs with specialized digestive care. As an independently owned practice, we remain focused on patient outcomes, safety, and clear communication at every stage of care.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the purpose, preparation, and recovery involved in an upper endoscopy can help you feel more prepared for your visit. Following your doctor’s instructions closely helps support accurate results and a smoother experience. Contact Associates in Gastroenterology, PC if you have questions about your upcoming appointment or need help preparing for your procedure.