Gastroscopy or Upper G

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Houston Digestive Diseases Clinic

714 FM 1960 West Suite 201 Houston TX 77090

Phone (281) 444-2399 Fax (281) 444-3417 sdkhanmd@aol.com

Gastroscopy or Upper G.I. Endoscopy:
The gastrointestinal endoscopy or gastroscopy is a procedure in which your doctor views the inside of your esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The doctor will use a small, lighted flexible tube thinner than most of the food you swallow to examine the lining of the upper digestive tract. We will numb your mouth and throat and use tranquilizers to relax you. We don't obstruct breathing passages. We make a special effort to keep you comfortable. In fact, most patients don't even remember the procedure. The procedure usually takes approximately 10-20 minutes.

Day of Procedure:
Morning procedure: Nothing to eat and drink after midnight.
Afternoon procedure: You may have two 8-10 ounces of clear liquids before 8:00 am.
You may take heart or blood pressure medications on the morning of procedure with small amount of water. If you are diabetic you should not take any Insulin or diabetic medication on the day prior to the procedure. If you have any question regarding your preparation or procedure please call our office. You must tell us of allergies or peculiar reactions you have had to medicines, particularly Novocain and medicines that dentists use for numbing teeth, also tranquilizers and pain killers. In very rare circumstances death could result from a complication. It should be emphasized that complications are extremely rare. This is a routine procedure in our hands and we are extremely careful. No aspirin products, Plavix, Coumadin or any other anticoagulants should be taken 4 days prior to procedure day. Tylenol is allowed.

PREPARATION FOR THE PROCEDURE:
If blood work is required, please complete at least 2 days prior to the procedure. Preparation for the procedure only requires being empty stomach after midnight. If you have not already done so, you will have an opportunity to discuss this procedure with your physician or nurse.

DURING PROCEDURE:
You will be asked if you are allergic to any medications. At this time, also inform the nurse if there is a possibility of pregnancy, if applicable. An intravenous solution (I.V.) will be started in your arm and medication will be given to help you relax and become drowsy. When you are properly relaxed, the gastroscope will be inserted into your mouth and advanced through your esophagus. You may experience some abdominal fullness as this is done and taking slow deep breaths will help you to relax. When the procedure begins you will be lying on your left side and you will be breathing normally. You will be assisted by the nurse during the procedure. Often a biopsy (tiny bit of tissue) may be taken for microscopic examination. You will feel no discomfort when the biopsy is taken. A polypectomy may also be performed; this is the removal of a small growth (polyp), which protrudes from the wall of your stomach or esophagus. The specimens are sent to the laboratory for examination by the Pathologist. Reports are usually available within one week.

AFTER THE PROCEDURE:
you will be moved to the recovery room where your vital signs will be monitored for 30 minutes while you wake up from the sedation. Your physician will then discuss the results of the procedure with you and a family member.
    * Expect a mild sore throat lasting one or two days. You can use lozenges for relief.
    * Do not eat or drink for one hour (your throat will be numb and we don't want anything to go down the wrong
      "pipe").
    * Do not drive for 24 hours after the procedure

YOU MUST HAVE SOMEONE TO DRIVE YOU HOME as the sedation given will not allow you to drive for 24 hours. Because of the after-effects of the medication you are advised:
    * Not to return to work the day of your procedure
   * Not to operate any machinery (including kitchen equipment)
    * Not to drink any alcohol for at least 24 hours following the test
    If a polyp is removed, the electric cautery used leaves a sore spot, which takes 3 to 5 days to heal. During
    this time please avoid:
     * Strenuous activity
     * Aspirin and aspirin containing medications
     * Travel

SIDE EFFECTS & RISKS:
EGD is safe and is associated with very low risk. Complications can occur but are rare.
Possible complications include:
    * hemorrhage (bleeding)
      * perforation (tearing) of esophagus or   stomach.
       * pneumonia
      * adverse reaction to one of medications
    When you return home you may resume your regular diet unless directed otherwise.

Contact your physician immediately if you develop any of the following:

* Severe pain * Black tarry stools or bright red blood in your stools
* Vomiting * Temperature over 100 F

APPOINTMENT TIME AND LOCATION:
Your procedure is scheduled at:

q Houston Digestive Diseases Clinic 714 FM 1960 West, Suite 201 (281) 444-2399	q Houston Northwest Medical Center Outpatient Registration Medical Mall #2 (281) 440-2222
q Northwest Surgery Center 17322 Red Oak Dr. (281) 895-9100	q TOPS Surgical Specialty Hospital 17080 Red Oak Dr. (281) 539-2900
q Methodist Hospital Willowbrook 18220 Tomball Pkwy Houston TX 77070 (281) 477-1000

If your procedure is being done at one of the above hospitals, please call to pre-register one to two days prior to your procedure. Pre-registration of your insurance
information will avoid delays the day of your procedure.

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