How the Test is Performed

You will be given a sedative and an analgesic. A local anesthetic will be sprayed into your mouth to suppress the need to cough or gag when the endoscope is inserted. A mouth guard will be inserted to protect your teeth and the endoscope. Dentures must be removed.

An IV may be inserted to administer medications during the procedure.

You are instructed to lie on your left side.

After the gag reflex has been suppressed by the anesthetic, the endoscope will be advanced through the esophagus to the stomach and duodenum. Air will be introduced through the endoscope to enhance viewing. The enteral mucosal surface is examined and biopsies can be obtained through the endoscope.

When the area has been viewed and any biopsies taken, the endoscope will be removed and you will be asked to cough to expel the extra air. Food and liquids are restricted until your cough reflex returns.

The test lasts about 30 to 60 minutes.

How to Prepare for the Test

Fasting is required overnight (6 to 12 hours before the test). An informed consent form must be signed.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

• infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the Test will Feel

The local anesthetic makes swallowing difficult. This wears off shortly after the procedure. The endoscope may stimulate some gagging in the back of the throat. There may be a sensation of gas and the movement of the scope can be felt in the abdomen. Biopsies cannot be felt.

Why the Test is Performed

This test is helpful in determining:

• the cause of upper GI (gastrointestinal) bleeding
• the cause of swallowing difficulties
• the presence of ulcerations or inflammation
• the cause of abdominal pain
• the condition of the stomach and duodenum after an operation
• the presence of tumors or other abnormalities of the upper GI tract
• inflammation, narrowing, or tumors of the esophagus

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