What to Expect During an Endoscopy

If you suffer from persistent heartburn, nausea, or vomiting, you want to identify the cause of the issue so that you can treat it. These conditions can be painful and disruptive to your life, but you do not need to soldier through without treatment. At Calabasas Advanced Gastroenterology in Calabasas, CA, Dr. Parviz Gholami is invested in finding the root cause and helping you address it. We aim to relieve your discomfort and pain.

What Is an Endoscopy?

An endoscopy is a minor procedure that involves inserting a scope into your upper digestive system to help diagnose any conditions that may affect your esophagus, stomach, or upper intestine. It is performed in an outpatient center or a hospital.

An endoscopy is used to identify many possible diseases that affect your upper GI, such as:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Inflammation and swelling
• Ulcers
• Celiac Disease
• Esophageal strictures, or narrow places in the esophagus
• Blockages
• Cancer

You may also hear this procedure called an upper GI endoscopy, EGD, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy. 

How Does the Procedure Work?

You will most likely be sedated for this procedure, but it can also be performed without as needed. An endoscopy uses a scope with a tiny camera inserted into your upper digestive system while lying on your side. The scope enters through the mouth and is advanced through your system by a gastroenterologist. As they go through the procedure, they will take pictures and collect biopsies or samples of any potentially suspicious areas they may see. These are then sent to pathology for testing, and the biopsies can confirm or rule out diseases such as cancer or gastritis. 

If the endoscopy addresses esophageal strictures, it may include inserting a tiny balloon through the endoscope to widen the passage. It can also remove polyps, growths, or obstructions, including food.

How Do You Prepare for an Endoscopy?

Your doctor will interview you to get an entire clinical history and list of medications, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or supplements. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications before the procedure.

You should not eat or drink for up to eight hours before the procedure. 

What Does Recovery Look Like?

After your procedure, a nurse will monitor you for one to two hours. The sedation will start to wear off, but you will want to ensure you have a ride home. You should not drive for 24 hours after.

Endoscopy is considered a safe procedure, though there can be complications, as with any procedure.

At Calabasas Advanced Gastroenterology in Calabasas, CA, Dr. Gholami’s expertise can help you get the treatment you need and deserve. Call (818) 696-8840 to schedule an appointment.