Endoscopy procedure recovery

EGD

EGD or Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is endoscopy of upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopy is an internal body examination procedure. Endoscope is a thin bendable tube with camera on top that enters through the patient’s throat. Endoscope can be used in finding foreign bodies or wounds inside the body, and for their treatment. The stomach is pumped with air before the procedure to ensure smooth movement of the endoscope.

Digestive system

Food and water enter the body through the mouth and down the hollow tube named esophagus to the stomach. Once in stomach, food is degraded by enzymes and acids, and goes to the small intestine that absorbs and digests certain components from the food. The remaining food enters the colon that mostly removes and stores the water from the stool and clears the waste out. The EGD includes examination of esophagus, stomach and first small intestine.

Upper Endoscopy Recovery

After endoscopy examination, first few hours may be accompanied with feeling bloated due to the aid that was pumped into the stomach. Sore and numb throat are also usual symptoms, caused by the passing of endoscope. These symptoms can be present for few hours. Since sedation is used to ease the feeling of unease during the procedure, the patient’s reflexes and judgement will be impaired temporarily. The patient will not be able to drive, operate heavy machinery and be involved in decision making for the rest of the day. Going to work or performing demanding activities is not recommended for the following 24 hours.The patient is moved to the recovery or hospital room after the procedure and closely monitored. If the patient is not hospitalised the clinic will keep him at least one hour. If additional observation is required, staying overnight in the hospital is possible. Eating and drinking can be resumed as normal as soon as the medicine effects wear off.

Leaving the Hospital

When it is time to leave the hospital the patient is given series of instructions in handling the medication, activity level, driving and other required restrictions. Presence of a family member or a friend so they can drive the patient home is recommended. It is normal to experience some blood in the saliva and is no cause for alarm.Few important things to pay attention to are abdomen, chest or neck pain that persist, dark or black stool, blood vomiting and increased temperature of 100.4 Fahrenheit or higher (38 Celsius).Any of these symptoms may indicate some serious side effects, so the medical personnel should be notified immediately.

MIN length: 5 MAX length: 1200