Procedures
Upper Endoscopy
An upper endoscopy is performed under sedation using a thin, flexible camera placed through the mouth and into the stomach. It directly evaluates the esophagus and stomach for surgical preoperative planning, hiatal hernia assessment, and possible pH testing to evaluate and diagnose abnormal acid reflux.
Common reasons it is recommended
- Chronic heartburn increasing in frequency
- Symptoms no longer controlled by the current medication or dose
- A desire to stop taking medication
- Acid reflux symptoms not previously evaluated with endoscopy
- Evaluation before a metabolic or endoscopic procedure
Preparing for it
The stomach must be empty. Fasting instructions are given precisely and are the most common reason a procedure gets postponed when they are not followed.
Medication instructions are individual. Blood thinners, diabetes medications, and GLP-1 medications all require specific guidance, and GLP-1 therapy in particular affects stomach emptying and therefore anesthesia planning. Bring your full medication list, including doses.
Arrange a driver. Sedation makes driving unsafe for the rest of the day, and the procedure will not go ahead without a plan to get home.
During and after
The procedure itself is short. The procedure is performed under anesthesia. The anesthesia team will discuss expected comfort, awareness, recovery, and risks with you.
Your results will be discussed with you in detail at your follow-up appointment.
When to call after the procedure
Call promptly for severe or worsening chest or abdominal pain, fever, difficulty breathing, vomiting blood, or black stools. Complications are uncommon, and the response to them is prompt evaluation rather than waiting.
This page is educational information, not medical advice. What is right for you is decided in consultation, after a review of your history, your symptoms, and your testing.
Common questions
- Will I be awake?
- The procedure is performed under anesthesia.
- How soon will I know the results?
- I will discuss all findings with you in our follow-up visit in the office.
Related procedures and conditions
Next step
Reflux that keeps coming back deserves a look, not another refill.
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