Wellness Blog

An endoscopy is also referred to as upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. An upper endoscopy is used to diagnose and sometimes treat conditions that affect the upper part of the digestive system. The upper digestive system includes the esophagus, stomach and beginning of the small intestine (duodenum).

During endoscopy your upper digestive system is visualised with the help of a tiny camera on the end of a long, flexible tube called the endoscope.

In GKNM Hospital, endoscopy procedures are performed at the Endoscopy units available at both GKNM Hospital and the outpatient centre.

Why is endoscopy done?

Your Doctor may recommend an endoscopy procedure to:

1. Investigate symptoms: An endoscopy can help determine what's causing digestive signs and symptoms, such as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing and gastrointestinal bleeding.
2. Diagnose: An endoscopy offers an opportunity to collect tissue samples (biopsy) to test for diseases and conditions that may be causing anaemia, bleeding, inflammation or diarrhea. It can also detect some cancers of the upper digestive system.
3. Treatment: Special equipment can be used during endoscope to treat problems in your digestive system. For example, to stop bleeding in a blood vessel, widen a narrow food pipe, remove a polyp or remove a foreign object.

Before the procedure

1. Fasting: You will be advised to not eat or drink anything for at least Six hours before the procedure. Water can be taken for up to two hours before the procedure.
2. Medications: Tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you take. They may need to adjust the doses of certain medications such as blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin. Follow the instructions given to you regarding what medications you can take and when medications need to be stopped before the procedure.
3. Medical history: Discuss all current and past health problems, allergies, and symptoms with your doctor.
4. Assessment with anaesthetist: Based on your condition, you may be referred to an Anaesthetist to evaluate you prior to the procedure.
5. Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing and remove all jewellery.
6. Consent: The Doctor will explain the risks, benefits and alternatives of endoscopy and will proceed only after obtaining your consent for the procedure.
7. Plan for aftercare: Since you may receive a sedative, plan to have someone to drive you home and you should not operate machinery or make important decisions for at least 24 hours.

What to expect during the procedure?

1. Sedation: A local anaesthetic may be sprayed on your throat to numb sensation, or you may be given a sedative through a vein to help you relax.
2. Procedure: The doctor will insert a flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) into your mouth and guide it down your food pipe, stomach, and the beginning of your small intestine.
3. Breathing: The endoscope does not interfere with your breathing.
4. Length: The procedure is often quick, typically lasting 3 to 15 minutes.

After the procedure

1. Recovery: You will be monitored in recovery area while the numbing sensation in your throat / sedative wears off. You will be given sips of water once the numbing sensation in your throat wears off.

Post endoscopy procedure instructions:

Rest and Activity:

Take it easy for the remainder of the day. Ensure an attender accompanies you home and do not drive, operate heavy machinery, drink alcohol, or make important decisions for the next 24 hours, especially if you have receivedsedation.

Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or unnecessary travel for a short period (up to a week) if a polyp was removed or a biopsy was taken.

Diet and Hydration:

1. Start with soft foods (e.g., soup, mashed yoghurt rice). Gradually resume your normal diet as you feel comfortable, unless specific instructions based upon the procedure performed have been given. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours.

Managing Discomfort:

1. Sore Throat: Mild discomfort is common after an upper endoscopy. Gargling with warm, salty water, sucking on lozenges, or drinking warm tea with honey will relieve the discomfort.
2. Bloating/Cramping: Gas pains or a feeling of fullness, especially after a colonoscopy, are normal and should subside within a few hours to a day. Moving around and drinking warm fluids can help pass the air.

Medications: Resume all routine medicines unless advised otherwise by the Doctor. The instructions to restart blood thinners which were stopped for the procedure will be given by the Doctor. Additional medications may be prescribed eg) for management of pain, treatment of H.Pylori if needed.

1. Follow-Up and Review advise: Instructions on when and where to collect the biopsy report and date and time of review appointment if advised will be given.