What can I expect at my procedure?

Immediately prior to the endoscopic procedure you will change into a hospital gown. Dentures, eyeglasses and earrings will be removed and safely stored.

An automatic blood pressure cuff will be place on your arm and a monitor on your finger in order to monitor your blood pressure, pulse and oxygen saturation.

A small catheter will be placed into a vein in your arm (an "IV") so that we can administer medication that will sedate you. The sedating medication will be given before we start the procedure and you will be adequately sedated during the procedure so that you are comfortable and do not experience any pain. If at any time the examination becomes uncomfortable, we will give you additional medication.

For upper endoscopy, your throat will be sprayed with a numbing medicine to make it easier to insert the endoscope. You will be positioned on your left side for the procedure. During the procedure you will be able to breathe normally.

After the examination, you may feel some mild discomfort due to bloating from the air that is insufflated into the bowel during the procedure.

You will be taken to a recovery area for monitoring until you are fully awake. Please plan on spending up to 2 hours in the recovery area after your endoscopic procedure. Remember that you will need someone to accompany you home.

Do not take any aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs for one week after the procedure, unless otherwise instructed. You may experience a mild sore throat the day after the procedure. Lozenges or a warm gargle will ease the throat discomfort.