If you need an upper endoscopy in Arcadia, CA, choose a name you can rely on. Make an appointment with Dr. Donald Portocarrero at Gastrointestinal & Non-Surgical Weight Loss Solutions to discuss what to expect during your procedure.

What Is an Upper Endoscopy?

If you have an upper endoscopy scheduled, it is important to understand what it is. It is a procedure to diagnose and treat problems or conditions in your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract using an endoscope, a small flexible tube with a camera and light attached. The endoscope is gradually pushed through your mouth and throat, esophagus and stomach until it reaches your duodenum (upper part of your small intestine). For treatments, other tools may be attached.

What to Expect

During the procedure, you can expect the following to happen.

Firstly, you will fast a minimum of six hours before the procedure and possibly take a laxative to empty your bowels completely. Residents of Arcadia, CA, who have an upper endoscopy scheduled with Dr. Portocarrero can expect to be notified well ahead of the procedure of any preparations required. Please inform the doctor of any conditions you have or medications you take.

You will initially be given a local anesthetic which will be sprayed into your mouth or gargled to lessen discomfort and reduce the possibility of gagging. You will also likely be given an intravenous sedative to help you relax. Your heart rate, blood pressure (BP), and respiration will be monitored continuously. The procedure takes approximately thirty minutes to complete.

Once these steps have been completed, your throat should be numb, and you should be relaxed. You will lie on your side, and the tube will be inserted. During the procedure, any salvia that collects in your mouth will be suctioned away, and a mouth guard will be used to prevent you from biting down on the tube. Importantly, an endoscopy does not interfere with your breathing, and you will be able to breathe normally.

Once the procedure is complete, the tube and the mouth guard will be removed, and you will be moved to the recovery room to be monitored until you are stable. A friend or family member can take you home once discharged; otherwise, you will return to your hospital room. No eating or drinking until your gag reflex returns to prevent choking.

You can expect your throat to be sore for a day or two after the procedure, but contact your doctor if you have any concerns.

Contact

Dr. Portocarrero at Gastrointestinal & Non-Surgical Weight Loss Solutions serving Arcadia, CA with upper endoscopy and other services, is available by appointment on (626) 461-5408.