HF 4330

Getting Ready for Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Read this entire document and checklist on the last page at least 1 week before your test. Your doctor wants you to have an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (EGD). This handout will tell you about the test and how to prepare for it.


Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy (EGD)

This is a test that looks at your esophagus (food tube), stomach and the upper part of the small intestine. A doctor will pass a viewing tube through your mouth into the stomach. This test will help find the cause of abdominal pain, heartburn, and trouble with swallowing or bleeding. An EGD is better at finding many problems in the upper GI tract than an X-ray.

During the test the doctor can also take a small piece of tissue (a biopsy) to send to the lab if we need to look at an area more closely. Doctors take biopsies for many reasons. You will not be able to feel this part of the test.


Test Day


Diet

  • Start a clear liquid diet after midnight. No solid food.

  • See “Getting Ready for Your GI Procedure” handout for more information.

  • Stop drinking all liquids (even water) 4 hours before you arrive.

If you are having this procedure completed with a lower GI procedure, please follow the diet instructions listed in your bowel prep handout.


Medicines

If you need to take medicine during the 4 hours before your arrival, drink no more than 1/2 cup of water (4 ounces). Follow your provider’s directions for your diabetes or blood thinning medicines.


Before the Test

  • When you arrive, you can choose if your driver waits in the waiting room or in your private room where they will hear private health information.

  • The doctor will talk with you, answer questions, and ask you to sign a consent form.

  • A nurse will review your health history, take your vital signs and attach a heart monitor.

  • A nurse will place an IV and give you medicines to help you relax and keep you comfortable.

  • Your visit will take about 2-3 hours.


After the Test

  • Your doctor will review the results and give you a report. We strongly suggest that you have your driver in the room with you to hear the results.

  • You may feel tired when you leave.

  • Spend the day resting at home. You cannot drive or return to work. You can return to your normal routine the next day.

  • You may have a mild sore throat. Salt-water gargles should help.

  • If you stopped blood thinning medicine before your test, ask when it can be restarted.


Results

If you have biopsies taken or polyps removed, you can expect to get lab results 1- 2 weeks later. Your results will be sent to your MyChart account. If you don’t have a MyChart account, someone will call you with results or results will be mailed to you.


Who to Call

Patient Resources

(If you need help finding a ride to and from your test.)
(608) 821-4144

UW Health Digestive Health Center
(608) 890-5010

UW Health Ambulatory Procedure Center
(608) 263-8094

Meriter/Unity Point
(608) 417-6389


Prep Checklist

1 Week Before Test

  • Call your insurance company to confirm coverage.

  • Find safe transportation for the day of your test.

  • Talk to your prescribing provider about your diabetes and/or blood thinning medicines.

  • Call during clinic hours if you’ve had any major health changes since you scheduled your test.


Day of Test

  • No solid foods after midnight and start clear liquid diet.

  • If you need to take medicine during the 4 hours before your arrival, drink no more than 1/2 cup of water (4 ounces).

  • Stop all liquids (even water) 4 hours before you arrive for test.