EGD Morning Procedure Preparation
Upper Endoscopy Preparation for Morning Procedure
Upper GI endoscopy, sometimes called EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), is a visual examination of the upper intestinal tract, using a lighted, flexible fiberoptic endoscope. You are mildly sedated for this procedure. The endoscope is gently inserted through your mouth into the upper esophagus (food tube). Then, the endoscope is passed into the stomach and duodenum, or first portion of the small intestine.
If you are taking anticoagulants or blood thinners such as (but not limited to) those listed below, please discuss this with your Health Care Provider. In most circumstances, these medications are temporarily discontinued prior to your procedure.
- Coumadin (warfarin)
- Plavix (clopidogrel)
- Persantine (dipyridamole)
- Aggrenox (aspirin-dipyridamole)
- Effient (prasugrel)
- Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate)
- Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
- Eliquis (apixaban)
Certain weight reduction and diabetic medications can slow the emptying of the stomach and increase the risk of aspiration when sedated for the procedure. Some of these medications need held up to a week before the procedure. If you have not reviewed your medications with us, please contact the office to review. Using the patient portal is the best and most efficient way to communicate with us.
If you have questions or need to reschedule or cancel your procedure, please call (717) 761-0930.
5 Days Before Procedure
- Do not take any ibuprofen products (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories – NSAIDS). Tylenol (acetaminophen) is allowed. If you are on aspirin, you may continue the aspirin.
The Day Before Procedure
- Do not eat anything after midnight the night before the procedure. You may have clear liquids until 4 hours before the procedure.
On the Day of the Procedure
- Do not have anything to eat. You may have clear liquids until 4 hours before the procedure. Do not drink or eat anything 4 hours before the procedure. Also, no chewing gum, hard candy or chewing tobacco at least 4 hours before the procedure.
- At 6:00 a.m. take any currently prescribed heart and blood pressure medications with a sip of water.
- If you are diabetic: Do not take your diabetic medications (pills or insulin) the morning of your procedure. If you normally monitor your blood sugars at home, please check your blood sugar the morning of your procedure. If your blood sugar is over 150 or below 90, please contact the West Shore Endoscopy Center at (717) 975-2430. An anesthesia specialist will provide you with further instructions.
- Please report to your appointment as scheduled. NOTE: Plan to be at the procedure center for about two to two and one-half hours.
- A driver must come with you in order to drive you home after the procedure. You will be sedated for your upper endoscopy. You may not drive for 12 hours after the procedure. For late afternoon procedures drivers must be present no later than 4:00 p.m. The West Shore Endoscopy Center closes at 4:00 p.m.