PATIENT INFORMATION FOR UPPER ENDOSCOPY
What preparation is necessary for an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy?
In order to get the clearest picture possible, the stomach and upper intestinal tract should be completely free of food and liquids. For this reason, you should NOT eat or drink for eight (8) hours prior to your exam ( 2:00 AM), unless instructed otherwise.
If you are taking any cardiac medications for lung conditions, please be sure that you discuss these medications with the doctor at the time the procedure is being scheduled. In some cases it may be necessary for the patient to take their usual medications with a small sip of water before the examination.
In order to make it easy for the patient to swallow the instrument, an intravenous tranquilizer is usually given. If you have had any allergic reactions to any medications in the past, please make sure to tell your doctor when the procedure is scheduled.
Please plan to have someone drive you home after the procedure; medications used may impair your ability to operate your vehicle. Although the procedure itself usually takes a few minutes, it will take 30 to 60 minutes for the medication to wear off sufficiently so that you can leave.
What are the complications for an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy?
An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is usually a very safe procedure and is associated with a very low risk most of the time. The complications that rarely occur include the following:
- Localized irritation of the vein at the site of medication injection. A tender lump or redness of the vein may develop which may remain for several weeks, but eventually goes away.
- Reaction to medications used during the procedure could include respiratory depression or sudden development of shock. Special equipment is always nearby in order to manage these rare complications with medication.
- Perforation of the wall of the esophagus or stomach may rarely occur. If this perforation is large enough, it may occasionally require surgical operation to repair the tear.
- Bleeding may occur at the site of the biopsy. This bleeding is usually minimal but may require transfusions or occasional surgery in order to control it.
You must arrive one hour prior to your scheduled procedure to pre-register at:
The San Francisco Endoscopy Center
3468 California Street (between Laurel/Locust)
San Francisco, CA 94115
Note: If you are going to be late, please call the facility: Phone (415) 345-0100
If you have any questions regarding the scheduled procedure, please do not hesitate to give us a call.
We can be reached at:
Dr. Susan Ripper (Assistant: Lori) Phone (415) 923-3548