Endoscopic examination of the gastrointestinal tract (upper GI endoscopy)

Before your procedure, your care team will review your medical history, go over each step with you, and explain which medications to continue or temporarily stop. You may receive instructions about fasting, arranging a ride home, and signing consent forms. Writing down your questions ahead of time can help you feel prepared and more at ease on the day of your appointment.

You may receive a sedative to help you relax during the procedure. Your doctor will explain how to prepare, which often includes fasting for a few hours before the test. Wear comfortable clothing and arrange for someone to drive you home afterward, as you may feel groggy.

During the procedure, you will be positioned comfortably and monitored closely by your care team the entire time. Depending on the type of procedure, you may receive local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia to keep you comfortable and pain-free. Most procedures take between 30 and 90 minutes, and your team will keep you informed and check on you throughout.

The endoscope is gently inserted through your mouth and guided down your throat. You may feel some discomfort, but it’s usually well-tolerated. The doctor will take samples of tissue or fluid if needed, and the procedure typically takes 15–60 minutes.

After the procedure, you will rest in a recovery area while nurses monitor your vital signs until any anesthesia wears off. Mild soreness, swelling, or fatigue is common for a few days. Follow your discharge instructions closely, take medications exactly as prescribed, keep the treatment area clean and dry, and call your doctor if you notice fever, heavy bleeding, or worsening pain.

After the procedure, you’ll rest for a short time before going home. Avoid heavy meals or alcohol for a few hours. You may experience mild soreness or bloating, but contact your doctor if you have severe pain, vomiting, or signs of infection.

As with any medical procedure, there are possible risks, including bleeding, infection, blood clots, or an adverse reaction to anesthesia. Serious complications are uncommon, and your care team takes every precaution to protect your safety. Contact your doctor right away if you develop a fever above 100.4°F, increasing pain, redness, swelling, or drainage at the procedure site.

While rare, risks include bleeding, infection, or perforation of the digestive tract. Your doctor will weigh these risks against the benefits of the test, especially if you have health conditions like heart disease or bleeding disorders.