Endoscopy Cost and Procedure Introduction

A key advantage of the procedure is that, when needed, tiny instruments can be passed through an opening in the endoscope to obtain tissue samples, remove polyps, coagulate (stop) bleeding sites, dilate or stretch a narrowed area, or perform other treatments. Although an upper endoscopy is considered the best test available to detect and treat abnormalities, alternative procedures include barium x-ray and ultrasound (sonogram). These exams, however, do not allow direct viewing of the GI tract, removal of polyps, or the completion of biopsies, so, if an abnormality is found during one of these procedures, an endoscopy may still be required to biopsy or remove the abnormality.

Endoscopy Patient Preparation

Prior to your Endoscopy, you will be given instructions in advance that will outline what you should and should not do in preparation for the endoscopy; be sure to read and follow those instructions. It is particularly important to inform the physician of all medications or vitamins taken regularly or if you are pregnant (or think you might be pregnant) or if you have heart, lung or other medical conditions that may need special attention, and, finally, if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, aspirin, or other medications that affect blood clotting. You will be asked to fast for eight hours before the procedure, generally after midnight. You may be given additional instructions about a special diet for one to two days prior to the procedure. Arrangements should be made for transportation after the surgery is complete.

What to expect during and after an Endoscopy Procedure

An Endoscopy procedure should takes about 30 minutes. An intravenous line is inserted into the arm to administer a sedative. Also, your heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen level will be monitored during the procedure. Numbing medication will be sprayed into the back of your throat to prevent gagging. The spray may have a bitter taste to it. Holding your breath while your throat is sprayed may decrease the taste. A mouth guard will be placed in your mouth to protect your teeth. Once you are fully relaxed and your throat is numb, you will be asked to lie on your left side on the table with your head bent forward. You will be asked to swallow the endoscope and then the endoscope is gently inserted into the upper esophagus. You can breathe easily throughout the exam. During the procedure, air is pumped in through the instrument to expand the structure that is being studied and allow better viewing. Biopsies and other procedures will be performed as needed. Saliva will be suctioned from your mouth since you will not be able to swallow during the procedure.

After the procedure is completed, you will be taken to the recovery area and monitored until the medication has worn off. After recovery, the physician will explain the results to you, provide instructions on care and diet and then your driver will be allowed to take you home. Occasionally a patient is left with a mild sore throat or a feeling of distention from the insufflated air that was used during the procedure. Both problems are mild and fleeting. Notify your physician to report any of the following: fever and/or chills; redness, swelling, bleeding or other drainage from the IV.