How long does a scope procedure take

If you are a diabetic, you may need to adjust your medications or insulin, but should do this only on the recommendation of your doctor. You will most likely be able to take all the rest of your routine medications with a sip of water, but again, verify this with your doctor. You should expect to receive written instructions from the doctor performing the endoscopy at least a week prior to the procedure.

Be sure to read over all the information and ask questions if there is something you are not sure about. If you fail to follow all the recommendations, your procedure may be postponed or cancelled.

You will be given a specific time to arrive prior to your procedure. This will allow time for any preparations that may need to be made before you have the endoscopy. You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and your medical history will be reviewed. Please make sure to bring a list of all of your medications and let the staff know what you have taken that day.

At this time, the procedure will be explained to you, including what the doctor plans to do, what the risks and benefits are, what alternatives may exist, what the expected outcome is, and what limitations may exist to achieving the goals of the procedure.

Usually there is no need for laboratory tests prior to the exam, but depending on your circumstances, you may need a pregnancy test.

Next, an intravenous line IV will be started so that you can receive fluids and medications through it. Now you will be ready for the procedure. Once in the procedure room, you will be asked to lie on your left side on the exam table. Next, a mouth guard will be placed in your mouth so that the endoscope will not damage your teeth. At this point, if you are receiving sedation, you will start to be sleepy and will most likely remain asleep throughout the procedure, which generally takes about 10 to 20 minutes.

Because of the sedation medication, patients are generally unaware of what is going on and do not remember anything when they wake up. Once you are sedated, the doctor will guide the flexible gastroscope, which is about the same thickness as a finger, through the esophagus, into the stomach, and then into the duodenum.

There is a light and lens on the end of the tube that sends images back to a TV monitor, so the doctor can visualize the tissue of your GI tract. During this time, any additional procedures that are needed, such as removing a foreign object, taking a biopsy, or dilating a narrow portion of the esophagus, will be done. These procedures are not painful. The most discomfort you may experience during or after the procedure is usually bloating that results from air that is pushed into the GI tract to expand areas for better visualization or for passing of the tube.

Once everything is completed, the tube will be removed and you will be allowed to wake up from the sedation. After the endoscopy, you will be given time to fully wake up. What do I need to bring the day of my procedure? Your insurance card s. A list of your current medications. Co-pay or deductible as determined by your insurance company. Leave valuables and jewelry at home. Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes. Plan to arrive at the center 45 minutes prior to the procedure.

You should expect a stay of approximately one hour and 45 minutes to two hours total. If you are an adult who is unable to sign the consent, you must have someone with you who is authorized to sign on your behalf. You will not be permitted to drive, take a taxi alone or leave the center without an adult chaperone.

How long will the procedure take? How long will I be there after the procedure? Patients remain in the recovery area 30 to 40 minutes after their procedure. Can I drive myself home or take a taxi? Can I take aspirin or arthritis medication? Will I be sleeping during my procedure? Will I have pain following the procedure? Can my family or friends stay with me?

May I have visitors? One recent study found that preoperative endoscopy can help identify problems in obese patients, which can help influence decisions on the form of bariatric surgery they undergo as well as followups. Endoscopy is used to examine the lining of your upper GI tract when issues like difficulty swallowing and persistent vomiting occur. Preparation for an endoscopy requires fasting from food and liquids, as well as alerting your doctor to any allergies you may have to certain medicines.

Make sure you have someone to take care of you after the procedure. While complications from endoscopy are rare, you should still keep an eye out for signs of problems. Evansville Surgical Associates has been providing comprehensive and compassionate surgical care for over 50 years.

Call us at or , or email us with any general questions or comments you may have. We are available from am to pm if you would like to schedule an appointment. Payment Portal. They are: What is endoscopy? When would I need an upper endoscopy? How do I prepare for an upper endoscopy? What can I expect during an endoscopy procedure? What should I expect after my endoscopy?

Are there risks associated with endoscopy? What is endoscopy? These medications can include: Aspirin Blood thinners Clopidogrel Anything with antiplatelet agents Let your doctor know if you have any allergies to certain medications, as well as of any medical conditions you may have. Once the endoscope is in place, your doctor can use it to perform different tasks, such as: Blocking any bleeding that may be occurring Opening up strictures Taking a tissue sample for testing An upper endoscopy usually only lasts between 15 and 30 minutes.

Is endoscopy necessary for bariatric surgery? Final Words Endoscopy is used to examine the lining of your upper GI tract when issues like difficulty swallowing and persistent vomiting occur. Locations Deaconess Campus. View on Google Maps.