upper endoscopy

if you have lots of questions and concerns, talk to your PCP or gastro. i will tell you how the process of having an EGD in the unit i work in goes, keep in mind everywhere does things a little different, especially hospital vs. outpt setting.

-pt is instructed not to take NSAIDS, ASA, anticoagulants, fish oil or PPI for 3-5 days and is NPO post midnight
-pt gives informed consent
-pt changes into hospital gown and baseline vitals taken
-IV saline lock started with 1000cc LR KVO
-pt speaks with MD and addresses any concerns, MD orders appropriate dose of sedation
-pt is assisted onto left side and bite block is inserted in mouth to rest teeth on
-local anesthetic (cetacaine) is sprayed on the back of the throat
-pt is given cocktail of demerol and versed per MD order via IV push
-once pt is relaxed, MD will advance scope into pts mouth and visualize trachea and esophagus, pt will be instructed to swallow once and scope is passed into the esophagus
-exam of esophagus, stomach and duodenum are done, photos taken and biopsies taken per MD. test from start to finish takens only about 15 minutes.
-vital signs are monitored throughout procedure
-scope and bite block removed after the exam
-pt remains on left side and rests in recovery for up to 2 hrs
-once pt is alert, gag reflex is tested
-if gag reflex has returned, PO fluids are given
-if PO fluids tolerated well, IV is d/c'd
-pt and family member speak with MD about results
-pt is assisted to get dressed, given discharge instructions (no driving all day that day), and taken via W/C to car
-pt to hear from MD regarding any biopsies within a week

hope that helps make it a lil more clear. keep me posted on how things went. good luck

duplicate, sorry

We have two nurses in the room for scopes -- one scrub, one circulator/med pusher.

I grabbed for the scope once during an EGD. I had been under, then totally woke up and was disoriented. GI chewed me up one side and down the other for not being in total control while on Versed and Fentanyl.