EGD (Upper GI Endoscopy) in Arizona

It is important not to eat or drink anything for at least eight hours before the exam. Your physician will provide instructions about the use of regular medications, including blood thinners and high blood pressure medications. It is advised that a companion accompany you to the examination. You will be given medications to sedate you during the procedure and you will need someone to take you home. Driving an automobile is not allowed after the procedure. Even though you may not feel tired, your judgment and reflexes may not be normal.

Upper GI endoscopy is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. Intravenous sedation is typically given to relax the patient, depress the gag reflex, and even cause short-term amnesia. For some individuals who can relax on their own and whose gagging can be controlled, the exam is done without intravenous medications. For others, deep sedation, where the patient is completely asleep, is utilized. The endoscope is then gently inserted into the upper esophagus. You will be able to breathe easily throughout the exam. Other instruments can be passed through the scope to perform additional procedures if necessary. For example, a biopsy can be done to obtain a small tissue specimen for microscopic analysis. A polyp or tumor can be removed using a thin wire snare and electrocautery (electrical heat).

If you have additional questions about the upper GI endoscopy procedure in Phoenix, AZ, then please speak to your provider at Arizona Digestive Health.