The gastroenterologist uses an endoscope, a long, thin, flexible tube with a light and camera at the end to help guide
the scope throughout the duration of the procedure. The camera on the end helps the physician both guide the endoscope
throughout the length of the upper GI tract, and take pictures.
Gastroenterologists commonly perform this procedure as a way to evaluate and diagnose various problems, such as
chronic heartburn (acid reflux), difficulty swallowing, stomach or abdominal pain, bleeding, ulcers, and tumors.
The patient remains comfortable during the procedure with the help of intravenous sedation. The drug enables the
patient to remain awake throughout the procedure, but will most likely prevent the patient from remembering the experience.
The duration of the procedure is normally 10-15 minutes. Afterwards, the patient waits in the recovery room while the
anesthetic wears off. Once the medication fades away, the patient may feel soreness in the back of the throat.
Due to the lingering effects from the sedation, the patient cannot drive or work for the remainder of the day, and
therefore must have a ride home.
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