Endoscopy & Prep
Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using state-of-the-art equipment
What is Endoscopy?
Endoscopy is a non-surgical procedure used to examine a person's digestive tract. Using an endoscope, a flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it, doctors can view pictures of your digestive tract on a color TV monitor.
During an upper endoscopy, the endoscope is passed through the mouth and throat and into the esophagus, allowing the doctor to view the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine.
Patient Comfort
This procedure is performed with sedation, making it comfortable for patients. Most people have little to no recollection of the procedure itself.
Upper Endoscopy
Upper endoscopy lets your doctor examine the lining of the upper part of your gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine). Your doctor will use a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope, which has a light and camera at the end. This procedure helps diagnose and sometimes treat conditions that affect the upper part of your digestive system.
Capsule Endoscopy
Capsule endoscopy helps doctors examine the small intestine, which cannot be reached using traditional endoscopy procedures. You swallow a small capsule containing a tiny camera, which takes thousands of pictures as it passes through your digestive tract. This innovative procedure allows for visualization of the entire small intestine, helping diagnose conditions like Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and small intestinal tumors.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy allows your doctor to look at the inner lining of your large intestine (rectum and colon). A thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope is used to look at the colon. This procedure is commonly used to screen for colon cancer and to find and remove polyps that could potentially become cancerous if left untreated. It's also used to investigate unexplained changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and weight loss.
Why Choose Us for Your Endoscopic Procedures
We're committed to providing exceptional care with a focus on patient comfort and satisfaction.
Board-Certified Specialists
Our procedures are performed by experienced, board-certified gastroenterologists who specialize in endoscopic techniques.
Comfort-Focused Approach
We use gentle sedation techniques to ensure your procedure is as comfortable as possible.
Convenient Location
Our Forest Hills location offers easy access for patients throughout Queens and the surrounding areas.
State-of-the-Art Facility
Our AAAASF-certified facility is equipped with the latest endoscopic technology for precise diagnostics and treatment.
Comprehensive Care
From preparation instructions to thorough follow-up, we provide complete support throughout your care journey.
Ready to Schedule Your Procedure?
Our friendly staff is available to answer your questions and help you schedule your endoscopic procedure.
Common Questions About Upper Endoscopy
We understand you may have concerns about your procedure. Here are answers to questions our Forest Hills patients frequently ask.
Will I be asleep during the procedure?
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When will I get my results?
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Will my insurance cover the procedure?
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How long does the procedure take?
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Is there any pain after the procedure?
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Common Questions About Upper Endoscopy
We understand you may have concerns about your procedure. Here are answers to questions our Forest Hills patients frequently ask.
Q:
why do you need an upper endoscopy?
A:
An upper endoscopy can be performed for a number of reasons. Primarily, if you’re having abdominal pain, especially in the epigastric area, which is right below your rib cage, we can see if you have an ulcer, gastritis, or any inflammation. If you have chronic heartburn, which can lead to changes in the lining of your esophagus, an upper endoscopy allows us to see what’s going on there. There are many other reasons to perform an endoscopy: difficulty swallowing, chronic reflux, abdominal pain, bleeding, vomiting blood, or having black stools. We need to ensure there’s no bleeding ulcers or cancer. An upper endoscopy is a very useful tool to figure out what is going on in your upper GI tract, especially your esophagus, stomach, or the first part of your small intestine.
Q:
what diseases can upper endoscopy detect?
A:
It can detect anything from Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal rings, various infections of the esophagus, gastritis, stomach ulcers, stomach cancer, stomach polyps, and duodenal issues. It can also detect celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and other inflammatory or autoimmune processes that affect the stomach or small intestine.
Q:
how long does an upper endoscopy take?
A:
The procedure itself takes anywhere between five to seven minutes. However, the entire process may take about an hour to an hour and a half, including putting in the IV, performing the procedure, and the recovery period after anesthesia.
Q:
is an endoscopy painful?
A:
No, it is not. You’re asleep during the whole procedure, so you do not feel any pain or discomfort.
Q:
are you fully clothed during an upper endoscopy?
A:
Yes, you are fully clothed. We do not ask you to disrobe or take off any clothing. You come in your street clothes, we perform the procedure, and then you go home.
Q:
can you breathe through your mouth during an upper endoscopy?
A:
Yes, you can. We put a Bite Block in your mouth, which keeps your mouth open and protects your teeth. You can breathe through your nose or mouth, whichever is comfortable.
Q:
what happens if you gag during an upper endoscopy?
A:
99% of the time, you won’t gag because we use an anesthetic called propofol, which puts you in a deep sleep and suppresses the gag reflex. In places where they use conscious sedation instead of propofol, you may gag, but when we use propofol, you will not.
Q:
how to prepare for an upper endoscopy?
A:
The preparation is very simple. You cannot eat or drink anything for at least 8 to 10 hours before the procedure.
Q:
can i drink water before an upper endoscopy?
A:
No, you cannot drink anything for at least 8 to 10 hours before the procedure.
Q:
can i brush my teeth before an upper endoscopy?
A:
Absolutely. We encourage good oral hygiene before the procedure.
Q:
what should i avoid before an upper endoscopy besides food and water?
A:
With the recent advent of drugs like Manjaro and Ozempic, which slow down digestion, it may take more than eight hours to empty your stomach. We recommend stopping these medications at least one week before the procedure.
Q:
how do you feel after the endoscopy?
A:
Immediately after the procedure, you may feel a little groggy, but once the anesthesia wears off after 15-20 minutes, you will feel like your normal self.
Q:
is it normal to vomit after an upper endoscopy?
A:
No, it is not normal to vomit. It’s a very benign procedure, and you should not have any gag reflex once you wake up.
Q:
what to eat after an upper endoscopy?
A:
As soon as you wake up and feel up to it, you can eat whatever you want. The only recommendation is to avoid alcohol for 24 hours after the procedure.
Q:
what is the recovery time for an upper endoscopy?
A:
The recovery time is about 20 minutes to half an hour to recover from anesthesia. After that, you’re good to go.
Q:
do you perform the endoscopy on-site in forest hills?
A:
Yes, we perform our procedures in our office in Forest Hills.