What to Expect when Your Doctor Orders an Esophagogastroduodenscopy (Upper Endoscopy)

I have suffered from GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) for around 10 years. GERD occurs when the muscle at the end of your esophagus doesn't close properly allowing stomach contents to leak back in. Some of the symptoms include: heartburn, an acidic taste in your mouth, trouble swallowing, dry cough and asthma.　

Recently the GERD flared up and my prescription Zantac (generic: ranitide) stopped working. I was sent to get a CAT scan of my upper and lower abdomen to rule out a variety of medical issues that can cause severe heartburn and abdominal pain. When everything came back normal I was prescribed Prilosec (generic: omazaprole) in the 40mg strength taken once in the morning. In the evening I was told to take a 150mg Zantac. Things calmed down and I was fine for around 3 weeks and then the pain came back. I was sent to a gastrologist who performed an Esophagogastroduodenoscopy. In simple terms that is an examination of the lining of the esophagus, stomach and upper duodenum with a small camera attached to a flexible tube which is inserted by mouth.

What can you expect if your doctor orders an esophagogastroduodenoscopy?

You will be told that you can't eat or drink anything for at least 6-12 hours prior to the procedure. When you get there an IV (intravenous line) will be inserted into your arm to administer both a sedative and painkiller. In my case the medications used were Fentanyl (painkiller) and Versed (sedative) but your doctor may use something different. You will be asked to lie on your left side. The medications act quickly and you should feel no pain and not remember the procedure at all. A mouth guard will be put into your mouth to protect your teeth and align the endoscope. If you wear dentures they will have to be removed.

The procedure takes around 5-15 minutes. The endoscope is slowly advanced through the esophagus into the stomach and duodenum. The lining is viewed and biopsies are taken. Air can be added through the endoscope to enhance viewing. If needed, certain treatments can be performed (such as widening a narrowed area of the esophagus).　

After the test is completed you will be taken to a post-op area until you are fully conscious. This can take 15 minutes to an hour. You will be kept there until your gag reflux returns. This is done so you don't choke. Once you can drink water you will be discharged.

At the time of being discharged you will be given written instructions that include: Do not drive for 12 hours. Do not consume alcoholic beverages for the rest of the day. Avoid making critical decisions or signing legal documents for 24 hours. Along with these instructions you will be advised to eat a soft diet for your first meal and to gargle with warm salt water or use throat lozenges for a sore throat. It takes about 3-4 hours from the time you arrive to the time you are discharged.

Being told you need an upper endoscopy can be frightening. Knowing ahead of time what to expect will ease your fears and make the procedure a breeze.