Forms
Find a Doctor
Search by Physician’s Name and Specialty
---Select---
Advanced Access Same Day Clinic
Breton Super Care
Cardiology
Dermatology
Endocrinology
Family Medicine
Gastroenterology
Gynecology
Hematology/Oncology
Infectious Disease
Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine / Geriatrics
Nephrology
Neurology
Otolaryngology (ENT)
Pain Management
Pathology
Pediatrics
Psychiatry
Pulmonary Medicine
Radiology
Rheumatology
Sleep Medicine
Surgery
Search
Search by First Letter of Physician's Last Name:
*
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Locations
Breton Super Care
Login
Call us
301.373.7900
Search
Submit
HOME
About Us
Specialties
Advanced Access Same Day Clinic
Breton Super Care
Cardiology
Dermatology
Endocrinology
Family Medicine
Gastroenterology
Gynecology
Hematology/Oncology
Infectious Disease
Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine / Geriatrics
Nephrology
Neurology
Otolaryngology (ENT)
Pain Management
Pathology
Pediatrics
Psychiatry
Pulmonary Medicine
Radiology
Rheumatology
Sleep Medicine
Surgery
Services
Asthma
Bone Density Scan
Cancer Recovery Center
Cardiology
Echocardiography
Nuclear Cardiology / Stress Testing
Preventative Cardiology
Child Psychiatry
Computerized Tomography
COVID-19 Vaccine
Dermatology
Age & Sun Spot Removal
Laser Hair Removal
Spider Vein Removal
Digital Mammography
Endocrinology
Diabetes
Osteoporosis
Thyroid Disorders
Family Practice
Gastroenterology
Colon Cancer Screening
Colonoscopy
Endoscopy
General Radiology
CAT
Ultrasound
X Ray
MRI
Sonography
Geriatric Care
Hematology/Oncology
Infectious Diseases
Hepatitis
HIV / AIDS
Lyme Diseases
Lung Cancer Screening
Neurology
EMG
Nerve Conduction Studies
Pain Management
Pediatric Services
Psychiatry
Pulmonary Function Tests
Radiology
Rheumotology
Sleep Studies
Surgery
Research
About Clinical Studies
Contact us
Endoscopy
What is an upper endoscopy?
An upper endoscopy is a diagnostic test used to examine the upper digestive system – the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine, known as the duodenum. The procedure is done by inserting a thin tube with a light and camera at the end through the mouth and into the esophagus. The images from the camera are viewed on a display screen during the procedure.
Why is an upper endoscopy performed?
An upper endoscopy is used to determine the cause of digestive system symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, heartburn, bleeding and swallowing disorders. It is frequently used to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease, as well as ulcers and tumors.
How can I prepare for an upper endoscopy?
In order to achieve accurate results, you must have an empty stomach before the procedure. You should not eat or drink anything for at least six hours before an upper endoscopy. Tell your doctor about any conditions or medications you take and he or she will instruct you on how to prepare.
What can I expect during the procedure?
Before the procedure, a local anesthetic will be applied to the back of the throat to relieve pain in the area. An IV with sedation medication may also be used to relax the patient. A mouthpiece is also inserted to keep the mouth open during the procedure. The patient will lie on his or her left side and the doctor will insert the endoscope into the mouth and all the way down to the stomach. A biopsy may be taken during the procedure to further examine a certain area. The procedure usually takes 15-30 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
After the procedure, the patient will be kept under observation for about 30 minutes while the medication wears off. Temporary soreness of the throat may occur but is usually relieved quickly. Most doctors require that patients are driven home because of the use of sedation. Complications from an upper endoscopy are rare, but if you experience severe abdominal pain, cough, fever, chills or nausea and vomiting, call your doctor immediately.
Lower GI Endoscopy
A lower gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is a minimally invasive exam used to evaluate the lower portion of the GI tract to help diagnose conditions such as cancer, polyps or inflammation, as well as determine the cause of bleeding or other abnormalities. This exam may involve a colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy to allow your doctor to visualize the colon and rectum on a computer monitor.
During a lower GI endoscopy, a thin, flexible tube is passed through the anus into the lower GI tract. Intravenous sedation may be administered to help relieve any anxiety or discomfort about this procedure. The entire exam usually takes about 15-30 minutes. Results are usually available right away, and your doctor will discuss them with you. In addition to its diagnostic indications, lower GI endoscopy can also remove polyps or take tissue samples (biopsy) during the same procedure.