What is an Endoscopy Procedure?
An endoscopy or sometimes called an EGD is a test used to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine. In order to gain a visualization of these areas, your doctor will use a scope (thin flexible tube) with a camera and light on the end of it. The scope is passed through the mouth while the patient is sedated.intestine. In order to gain a visualization of these areas, your doctor will use a scope (thin flexible tube) with a camera and light on the end of it. The scope is passed through the mouth while the patient is sedated.
Patient Comment: “I recently had an upper GI endoscopy performed by Dr. Malik. Dr. Malik is very professional, with a positive/outgoing attitude. He made the endoscopy procedure a surprisingly pleasant, pain-free experience. ( Yelp review April 2015)”
When is an Endoscopy Procedure Needed?
While there are several reasons why a gastroenterologist in Plano TX will perform an endoscopy procedure, the most common reasons are:
- Test for heartburn or GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease)
- Abdominal pain
- Anemia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swallowing problems
- GI bleeding
Endoscopy – How to Prepare for the Exam
You will be instructed to avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight the day before the endoscopy procedure. This is to ensure that your stomach will be empty to allow your Plano TX gastroenterologist to visualize the entire area and to prevent the possibility of food contents being vomited into the lungs while you are sedated.
View Dr. Malik’s entire endoscopy prep instructions .
Endoscopy – Are there Activity Restrictions after Procedure?
Patients are not permitted to drive home after the procedure and will need someone to drive them. You will be ready to leave the facility approximately 30 minutes after your procedure and can eat after the procedure is completed. We generally recommend a bland and non-greasy meal.
Patients should not plan to go back to work, drive, operate machinery, or sign any important documents for the remainder of the day.
Endoscopy – What Risks are Involved?
Your doctor uses a scope with a camera on the end to examine the lining of your esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine. While there is a very small chance of having the scope perforate the lining of one of these areas, it is considered a risk of the endoscopy procedure.
Another possible risk is the patient having an adverse reaction to the medications given to make them comfortable during the exam. This is why it is important that you spend time discussing your medical history with the nurses and anesthesia provider prior to the exam. If a reaction to these medications does occur, Dr. Malik and the anesthesia provider are specially trained in dealing with these issues.