Upper Endoscopy
Expert diagnosis and treatment of upper digestive issues at our Forest Hills office
What is an Upper Endoscopy?
Upper Endoscopy (also known as EGD, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy) is a procedure that enables Dr. Davidoff to examine the lining of your esophagus, stomach and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine).
During this procedure, a bendable, lighted tube about the thickness of your little finger is gently placed through your mouth and into the stomach and duodenum. This provides a clear view of your upper digestive tract and allows for diagnosis of various conditions.
Patient Comfort
This procedure is performed with sedation, making it comfortable for patients. Most people have little to no recollection of the procedure itself.
Reasons for an Upper Endoscopy
Symptom Evaluation
Helps diagnose persistent upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), heartburn, or unexplained weight loss.
Bleeding Investigation
Excellent method for finding the cause of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract with greater accuracy than X-rays.
Tissue Sampling (Biopsy)
Allows for collection of tissue samples to distinguish between cancerous and non-cancerous conditions, detect early cancer, or diagnose infections.
Better Than X-rays
More accurate than X-rays for detecting inflammation, ulcers, or tumors of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
Important Note About Biopsies
A biopsy may be taken during your endoscopy for many reasons and does not necessarily mean that cancer is suspected. Biopsies help diagnose various conditions including infections and inflammation.
Before undergoing the procedure, please inform Dr. Davidoff about any pre-existing or current medical conditions that may affect your eligibility for an upper endoscopy, including pregnancy, allergies to medications, or use of blood thinners.
Reasons for an Upper Endoscopy
Before Your Procedure: Preparation
Proper preparation is essential for a successful upper endoscopy. The stomach should be completely empty to allow for clear visualization.
- You should have nothing to eat or drink for approximately 8 hours before the examination
- Dr. Davidoff will specify the exact fasting time based on your scheduled appointment
- Medication adjustments may be necessary before the procedure
- Inform us about ALL your current medications and allergies several days prior to the examination
- Most medications can be continued as usual, but some require special instructions
- Medications such as aspirin, Vitamin E, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, blood thinners, and insulin should be discussed with Dr. Davidoff prior to the procedure
Transportation Required
You will be sedated during the procedure, so you must arrange for someone to drive you home afterward. Sedatives affect your judgment and reflexes for the remainder of the day, so you should not drive or operate machinery until the next day.
During Your Procedure: What to Expect
The upper endoscopy procedure is straightforward and typically takes between 3-15 minutes to complete.
- You will be positioned comfortably on your side or back
- Sedation will be administered to help you relax
- The endoscope is gently passed through your mouth and into your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum
- Air is introduced into your stomach during the procedure to allow for better visualization
- The endoscope does not interfere with your breathing
- The procedure allows Dr. Davidoff to clearly view the digestive tract lining
- If needed, small tissue samples (biopsies) may be painlessly collected
Comfort is Our Priority
Most patients have little to no memory of the procedure due to the sedation. Our team monitors you closely throughout to ensure your comfort and safety.
After Your Procedure: Recovery
Recovery from an upper endoscopy is typically quick and straightforward:
- You will be monitored in the recovery area until the effects of sedation wear off
- Some bloating or gas is normal immediately after the procedure due to the air introduced during the examination
- You can usually resume your normal diet and take routine medications after leaving our office, unless instructed otherwise
- Dr. Davidoff will typically discuss preliminary findings with you on the day of the procedure
- If biopsies were taken, those results take several days to return
- Our team will provide written instructions and contact information before you leave
- If you don’t remember what Dr. Davidoff told you due to the sedation, please call our office for clarification
After-Care Instructions
Don’t drive or make important decisions for 24 hours after the procedure. If you experience severe pain, fever, difficulty swallowing, or notice unusual symptoms after your procedure, contact our office immediately at 718-261-0900.
Understanding the Risks
Upper endoscopy is generally considered a very safe procedure with minimal risks. However, as with any medical procedure, there are certain rare complications you should be aware of:
- Complications from sedatives
- Bleeding (especially after biopsy)
- Fever
- Chest pains
- Swelling
- Vomiting
- Perforation of the gastrointestinal tract
- Difficulty breathing
- Blackened stools
- Infection
- Persistent pain in the area of endoscopy
Important Note About Biopsies
A biopsy may be taken during your endoscopy for many reasons and does not necessarily mean that cancer is suspected. Biopsies help diagnose various conditions including infections and inflammation.
Before undergoing the procedure, please inform Dr. Davidoff about any pre-existing or current medical conditions that may affect your eligibility for an upper endoscopy, including pregnancy, allergies to medications, or use of blood thinners.
What Our Patients Say
Real experiences from patients who've had upper endoscopies at our Forest Hills practice.
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 feel the endoscope going down my throat?
No. You’ll be comfortably sedated during the procedure, so you won’t feel the endoscope being inserted. Your gag reflex is suppressed by the sedation, and most patients have no recollection of the procedure afterward. Dr. Davidoff ensures your comfort is prioritized throughout the entire process. Some patients report a mild sore throat afterward, but this typically resolves within a day.
How long does the procedure take?
The upper endoscopy procedure itself typically takes between 3-15 minutes to complete. However, you should plan to be at our Forest Hills office for approximately 2 hours total, which includes check-in, preparation, the procedure, and recovery time. The sedation takes some time to wear off, and our team will monitor you during this period to ensure you’re recovering well.
How should I prepare for my upper endoscopy?
The main preparation is fasting for approximately 8 hours before your procedure to ensure your stomach is empty. This typically means nothing to eat or drink after midnight if your procedure is scheduled for the morning. Dr. Davidoff will provide specific instructions based on your appointment time. You’ll need to inform us about all medications you take, especially blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, and insulin, as these may need adjustment before the procedure.
When will I get my results?
Dr. Davidoff will usually discuss preliminary findings with you immediately after your procedure, once you’re sufficiently alert from sedation. If biopsies were taken, those results typically take several days to return from the laboratory. Our office will contact you with these results as soon as they’re available.
Insurance Coverage
We understand you may have concerns about your procedure. Here are answers to questions our Forest Hills patients frequently ask.
Not seeing your insurance provider? Call our Forest Hills office at 718-261-0900 to verify coverage.
Related Services
We provide comprehensive digestive health care at our Forest Hills practice.
Colonoscopy
Comprehensive examination of the large intestine for cancer screening and diagnosis of digestive disorders.
Acid Reflux Treatment
Comprehensive management of GERD and acid reflux symptoms with both medication and lifestyle approaches.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Specialized care for conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Experiencing Digestive Symptoms?
Don't wait to address persistent upper digestive issues. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Davidoff.
Same-week appointments available at our Forest Hills office. Most insurance plans accepted.
Schedule Your Appointment
Complete the form below, and our team at 108-16 72nd Ave, Forest Hills will contact you within one business day to confirm your appointment with Dr. Davidoff.