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How you prepare
By Mayo Clinic staffYour doctor will give you specific instructions to prepare for your endoscopy. In some cases your doctor may ask that you:
- Fast before the endoscopy. You may be asked to stop drinking and eating six to eight hours before your endoscopy. This is to ensure your stomach is empty for the procedure.
- Stop taking certain medications. You may be asked to stop taking certain blood-thinning medications in the days before your endoscopy. Blood thinners may increase your risk of bleeding if certain procedures are performed during endoscopy. If you have chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure, your doctor will give you specific instructions regarding your medications.
Tell your doctor about all the medications and supplements you're taking before your endoscopy.
Plan ahead for your recovery
Most people undergoing endoscopy will receive a sedative to make them relaxed and more comfortable during the procedure. If you'll be sedated during the procedure, plan ahead for your recovery. For instance, find someone to drive you home since it won't be safe for you to drive. You may also need to take the day off from work.
You may feel mentally alert after receiving a sedative, but your memory, reaction times and judgment may be impaired. Planning ahead for this can help keep you safe while the sedative wears off. Additionally, don't make any important personal or financial decisions for 24 hours.
- Pasricha PJ. Gastrointestinal endoscopy. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/201609212-3/0/1492/0.html. Accessed May 26, 2010.
- Kimmey MB. Complications of gastrointestinal endoscopy. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisinger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/linkTo?type=bookHome&isbn=978-1-4160-6189-2&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6189-2..X0001-7--TOP&uniq=200844987-3. Accessed May 26, 2010.
- Upper GI endoscopy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/upperendoscopy/index.htm. Accessed May 25, 2010.
- Upper endoscopy. Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. http://www.sages.org/publication/id/PI16/. Accessed May 25, 2010.
- Preparing for an upper GI endoscopy. American Gastroenterological Association. http://www.gastro.org/patient-center/procedures/upper-gi-endoscopy. Accessed May 25, 2010.
- Upper endoscopy. Cancer.Net. http://www.cancer.net/patient/All+About+Cancer/Cancer.Net+Features/Cancer+Screening+and+Prevention/Upper+Endoscopy%26mdash%3BWhat+to+Expect. Accessed May 25, 2010.
- Picco MP (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla. June 10, 2010.
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