At The University of Vermont Medical Center, our board-certified gastroenterologists and surgeons provide a full range of endoscopic procedures in our Endoscopy Clinic located in Burlington, VT.

Endoscopy: What You Need to Know

An endoscopy is any procedure performed using a scope with a tiny camera on the end. The scope is inserted into the throat, allowing doctors to see the esophagus and stomach. Endoscopy is used to identify any gastro-esophageal problems.

One Week Before Your Procedure

Read through your instructions and call your endoscopic physician if you have any questions or concerns. Some of your medication may need to be stopped one week prior to your procedure.

Poor Preparation May Result in a Cancelled Procedure

Medications - If you are on blood thinners (Aspirin, Coumadin, Plavix), insulin, diabetes medication, seizure or pain medication, call your primary care physician for specific instructions.

The Day Before Your Procedure

If you are taking a preparation, follow the instructions given to you precisely. Disregard the instructions on the preparation's container. It may take a few hours for your preparation to take effect.

The Day of Your Procedure

Escort - Make sure you have a driver that can pick you up in the Endoscopy Department when your procedure is finished. You will not be permitted to drive yourself, take a bus or a taxi home alone.

Fasting - Be sure to carefully follow the instructions related to eating and drinking before your procedure. If you do not follow the instructions, your test may be delayed or rescheduled.

Jewelry - For your safety during the procedure please remove ALL jewelry before coming to the hospital.

Medications - Take your regular medication with a sip of water unless your Primary Care Physician tells you differently.

Where to go - Stop at Registration on the Third Floor Ambulatory Care Center one hour before your procedure time, even if you have pre-registered.

What to expect - A nurse will obtain a medical history and take your vital signs. An IV line will be placed where you will receive fluids and sedative medication during the procedure.

How long - Expect to be in the Endoscopy department for 2-3 hours.

During Your Procedure

In the Procedure Room - A nurse and doctor will be with you throughout the procedure. A medical student, resident or fellow may also be present. No family or friends will be allowed in the procedure room. Most procedures take from 20 to 60 minutes.

Sedation - After you have talked to your physician and signed a consent form, you will likely be given sedation medication. Some people may fall asleep. Our goal is to make you comfortable. Most patients remember little or nothing of the procedure because of these medications.

After Your Endoscopy

Results - After your procedure, your Endoscopist may follow up with you in the Recovery Room. Due to sedation medication you may not remember talking with him or her. For this reason, a discharge instruction sheet will be provided.

Eating and Drinking - You may eat and drink 1-2 hours after the end of your procedure.

Driving - For your safety, you cannot drive home or drive for the remainder of the day due to the sedative medication you will be given. You also should not work, operate equipment, perform strenuous exercise, drink alcohol or take sleeping medication for the remainder of the day.

At Home

Pain - You should not have pain after the procedure. It is normal to have mild cramps and bloating.

Regular Medication - Start taking your regular medication when you are tolerating fluids and food unless you are told otherwise by the Endoscopist.

Biopsies - If you had biopsies taken, you will receive a call or a letter with the results in 2 to 4 weeks. If you have not received the results in 4 weeks, call your Endoscopist's office to ask for them.

Find a doctor or specialist at The UVM Medical Center or call 802-847-9255 for more information.

Michael A. D'Amico, MD
Pediatric Gastroenterology
Eric K. Ganguly, MD
Gastroenterology
Doris B. Strader, MD
Gastroenterology
Jillian S. Sullivan, MD, MSc
Pediatric Gastroenterology