You've done the preparation, fasted as instructed, and arranged for a ride home. Now, the day of your upper endoscopy (also called a gastroscopy or EGD) has arrived. It's completely normal to feel a little nervous about what the experience will be like. Knowing what to expect, step by step, can transform anxiety into calm confidence.
At Kaizen Care, we believe a well-informed patient is a more comfortable patient. In our main [Internal Link: Patient's Complete Guide to Endoscopy], we cover the reasons for the procedure and the preparation. Here, our expert team in Bilaspur, led by Dr. Sitendu Kumar Patel, will walk you through the entire process on the day of your procedure, from the moment you arrive until you're ready to go home.
Table of Contents
A Quick Recap: The Goal of Your Endoscopy
Remember, the purpose of this procedure is to allow Dr. Patel to use a thin, flexible tube with a camera (an endoscope) to look directly at the lining of your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). This is the best way to find the cause of symptoms like persistent heartburn, stomach pain, or difficulty swallowing.
Before You Arrive: The Final Preparations
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Confirm your ride: Double-check that you have a responsible adult to drive you home. You will not be allowed to drive yourself.
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Fasting: Do not eat or drink anything, including water, for the time period specified by our clinic.
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Medications: Take any essential medications you were instructed to take with a small sip of water.
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Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothes.
Step 1: Arrival and Check-in at Our Bilaspur Clinic
When you arrive at Kaizen Care, our friendly staff will greet you and complete your registration. A nurse will then take you to a pre-procedure area. Here, they will:
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Review your medical history and the medications you take.
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Confirm the time of your last meal or drink.
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Answer any last-minute questions you may have.
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Ask you to change into a comfortable patient gown.
Step 2: Getting Comfortable and Receiving Sedation
This step is all about ensuring you are completely comfortable and relaxed.
The IV Line and Monitoring
A nurse will place a small intravenous (IV) catheter, usually in your hand or arm. This is used to administer the sedation medication. We will also place monitors to keep a close watch on your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels throughout the entire process.
"Twilight Sedation": You'll Be Comfortable and Relaxed
The goal of sedation is not to put you into a deep sleep like general anesthesia. We use "conscious sedation" or "twilight sedation." This medication, given through the IV, will make you feel very sleepy, relaxed, and comfortable. Most patients fall into a light sleep and have little to no memory of the procedure itself. You will be breathing on your own the entire time.
Step 3: The Procedure Itself - A Quick and Painless Look Inside
Once you are comfortably sedated, the procedure will begin. This part is surprisingly fast.
Getting into Position
You will be asked to lie on your left side. A nurse may spray your throat with a local anesthetic to numb it, and a small plastic mouth guard will be placed between your teeth to protect them and the endoscope.
The Endoscope Examination
Dr. Patel will then gently guide the thin, flexible endoscope through your mouth, down your esophagus, and into your stomach and duodenum. You will not feel pain or a choking sensation because you are sedated and your throat may be numbed. Air is gently puffed through the scope to inflate the digestive tract for a better view. The entire examination typically takes only 15 to 20 minutes.
Taking a Biopsy (If Needed)
If Dr. Patel sees an area that needs further examination (for example, to test for H. pylori bacteria), he can pass a tiny instrument through the endoscope to take a tissue sample (a biopsy). This is completely painless.
Step 4: Waking Up in the Recovery Room
After the procedure is complete, you will be moved to our recovery area to rest. A dedicated nurse will monitor you as the sedation begins to wear off. This usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. You may feel a little groggy, similar to waking from a deep nap.
Step 5: Discussing Your Initial Results with Dr. Patel
Once you are awake and alert, Dr. Patel will come to speak with you and your companion. He will explain the initial findings of the procedure—what he saw on the camera. If any biopsies were taken, those results will take a few days to come back from the laboratory, and our clinic will contact you to discuss them.
Going Home: What to Expect for the Rest of the Day
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Rest: Plan to take it easy for the rest of the day. No driving, working, or making important decisions.
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Eating: You can usually start with a light meal once you are home. Your throat may feel a little sore, so soft foods and cool liquids might be most comfortable.
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Bloating: It is normal to feel a little bloated or gassy from the air used during the procedure. This will pass within a few hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Procedure
Will I feel anything during the endoscopy?
No. Because of the sedation, you should not feel any pain or discomfort. The entire process is designed to be a comfortable experience.
Will I remember the procedure?
Most patients have no memory of the procedure at all. The sedation medication has an amnesic effect.
How will my throat feel afterwards?
You might have a mild sore throat, similar to the start of a cold. This is temporary and usually resolves within a day.
When can I eat a normal meal?
Unless instructed otherwise by Dr. Patel, you can return to your normal diet the day after your procedure.
