Upper Endoscopy

What Is an Upper Endoscopy?

An upper endoscopy (also called an EGD) is a quick, safe procedure that allows your doctor to examine the inside of your esophagus, stomach, and the beginning of the small intestine using a thin, flexible tube with a camera.

Why Is It Important Before Bariatric Surgery?

Upper endoscopy is a standard part of the evaluation process for bariatric surgery. It helps our surgeons:

• Check for hiatal hernias – which are very common and often repaired during surgery
• Look for inflammation, ulcers, or other abnormalities that may affect the safety or success of your procedure
• Evaluate anatomy – especially important for patients considering revision surgery

By identifying any concerns ahead of time, we can ensure your surgery is tailored to your specific needs and reduce the risk of complications.

How We Perform It at Eviva

At Eviva, upper endoscopies are done in our accredited outpatient surgical center. The procedure typically takes less than 20 minutes. Here’s what you can expect:

• Comfort-focused sedation – you’ll be asleep and won’t feel a thing
• No incisions or downtime – a small camera is gently passed through your mouth
• Quick recovery – most patients are awake and ready to go home within an hour

Our team performs hundreds of these procedures each year, always with your safety, comfort, and care in mind.

How to Prepare for Your Upper Endoscopy

To ensure your procedure goes smoothly and safely, please follow these preparation steps:

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure. This includes water, gum, and mints. Your stomach and duodenum must be empty for the procedure to be thorough and safe, so you will not be able to eat or drink anything for at least six hours beforehand.
• Take only approved medications with a small sip of water. Your care team will let you know which medications are safe to take.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home. You will be sedated and cannot drive or take public transportation alone after the procedure.
• Let us know if you have any allergies, take blood thinners, or have had problems with anesthesia in the past.

Our team will review all instructions with you beforehand and answer any questions. If you’re ever unsure about your prep, don’t hesitate to call.