An upper endoscopy is a routine and commonly performed procedure, in which a highly trained doctor (called a gastroenterologist) inserts an endoscope (a flexible tube about the thickness of your finger that contains a miniature camera at the tip) into the mouth, down the esophagus, and into the stomach and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine), in order to carefully inspect the upper gastrointestinal tract. Patients are sedated and the procedure is typically painless. A typical upper endoscopy takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Upper endoscopies are performed for many reasons, including the evaluation of heartburn or acid reflux symptoms, difficulty swallowing, gastrointestinal bleeding, anemia, abdominal pain or other gastrointestinal symptoms. Some patients may have a narrowing of the esophagus that could cause difficulty swallowing. In such cases, the narrowing can often be dilated (or stretched) as part of the upper endoscopy procedure.

An upper endoscopy is generally a well-tolerated procedure. Most patients are given a sedative and pain medication through an IV that is placed by the nurse before the procedure. Because of these medications, most patients do not experience pain or remember the procedure. You will typically lie on your left side during the procedure. After the endoscopy, you will spend about 30 minutes in the recovery area. During an upper endoscopy, your doctor is carefully inspecting the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine), and may take biopsies (the painless removal of a small sample of the tissue lining).

Upper endoscopy is a safe and routine procedure. However, like any procedure, it does carry some risks. These risks are small and uncommon. The most serious complication is a perforation, or a tear of the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. In some cases, this might require emergency surgery. The risk of perforation is increased if dilation is performed. Bleeding is another possible complication. Bleeding often stops on its own, but sometimes requires additional treatment. Other potential complications are associated with the use of the sedative medications.

Patients receive a sedative (a medication similar to Valium) and a pain killer (a medication related to morphine) during the procedure. This type of sedation is called moderate sedation, and some describe this as a "twilight sleep." Most patients are very comfortable, experience no pain and have no memory of the procedure. Technically, patients are conscious during these procedures, so they are able to respond to questions and can maintain their blood pressure and breathing at safe levels on their own. Some patients may wake up toward the end of the procedure. They may even watch the procedure on a monitor (most patients find this very interesting) and remain completely comfortable. If needed, additional sedatives can be given. This type of sedation is different from general anesthesia—a deeper level of sedation in which patients are unconscious. In these cases, an anesthesiologist is needed to help the patient regulate their blood pressure and breathing. Any form of sedation carries risks, but these risks are very low with moderate sedation.

You will be monitored closely in the recovery area as the sedatives wear off. You may experience a sore throat or some mild cramping and bloating. These symptoms typically resolve after the first day. Because sedatives may impair your judgment and coordination, you are required to have someone drive you home and to stay with you for a short period of time after the procedure. There are generally no restrictions on what you can eat after an upper endoscopy. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on whether you should take or avoid certain medications, depending on the findings of your upper endoscopy. If your doctor takes biopsies, you will be contacted when those results are available.

Please check with your gastroenterologist's office. Generally they will allow you to take all of your medications as prescribed by your other doctors unless specifically instructed otherwise.

Medications commonly given during upper endoscopy can temporarily impair judgment and coordination.

For the most part, you should be back to normal by the day after your procedure, but your doctor will give you specific post-procedure instructions to follow.