Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Upper gastrointestinal (gas-tro-in-TES-ti-nal) endoscopy (en-DOS-ko-pe) is also called esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). This is a procedure to examine the lining (walls) of the upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The upper GIT includes the esophagus (food pipe), stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). EGD is used to help diagnose diseases and other problems that affect the upper GIT. These may include inflammation (swelling), infections, tumors, ulcers (sores), bleeding, or polyps (growths).
  
  
• With EGD, caregivers use an endoscope to help see the lining of the upper GIT. An endoscope is a thin and flexible (bendable) metal tube with a light and tiny video camera on the end. This gives caregivers a clear view of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum while watching the images on a monitor. A small amount of tissue may be taken from the upper GIT and sent to the lab for tests. Your caregiver may also remove polyps or foreign objects, place a stent (tube), or treat bleeding during the endoscopy. With EGD, diseases of the upper GIT may be diagnosed and treatment given to relieve your symptoms.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

• Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take at home to take away or decrease pain. Your caregiver will tell you how much to take and how often to take it. Take the medicine exactly as directed by your caregiver. Do not wait until the pain is too bad before taking your medicine. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Tell caregivers if the pain medicine does not help, or if your pain comes back too soon.
  
  

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

• Ask your caregiver when the results of your procedure will be available.
  
  

Diet: Eat a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups every day. Include whole grain bread, cereal, rice and pasta. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, including dark green and orange vegetables and legumes (dry beans). Include dairy products such as low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese. Choose protein sources such as lean meat and poultry (chicken), fish, beans, eggs and nuts. Ask your caregiver how many servings of fats, oils, and sweets you may have each day, and if you need to be on a special diet.

Drinking liquids: Men 19 years old and older should drink about 3.0 Liters of liquid each day (close to 13 eight-ounce cups). Women 19 years old and older should drink about 2.2 Liters of liquid each day (close to 9 eight-ounce cups). Good choices for most people to drink include water, juice, and milk. If you are used to drinking liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee, these can also be counted in your daily liquid amount. Some food items such as soup and fruit also add liquid to your diet. Ask your caregiver how much liquid you should have each day.

Rest: You may feel like resting more. Slowly start to do more each day. Rest when you feel it is needed.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a feeling of being too full or bloated.
  
  
• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have nausea (upset stomach) or vomiting (throwing up).
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your procedure, condition, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You feel dizzy or had an episode of passing out.
  
  
• You have a chest pain or trouble breathing all of a sudden.
  
  
• You have problems swallowing or having a bowel movement.
  
  
• Your abdomen (stomach) becomes tender and hard.
  
  
• Your signs and symptoms are getting worse.
  
  
• Your vomit (throw up) has blood or bile in it.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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