These are only general guidelines and not meant to replace instructions from a physician. Please talk with your physician about your specific condition.
About Upper Endoscopy / Colonoscopy Procedures
Upper endoscopy procedures are used to diagnose a variety of conditions in your esophagus, stomach and upper intestine. They also can be used to stop bleeding in your esophagus, remove a polyp or widen an area of your esophagus that has narrowed. You may also hear an endoscopy referred to as an esphago-gastro-duodenoscopy, or EGD. A colonoscopy is used to diagnose conditions in your lower intestine, or colon.
Preparing For Your Procedure
If you are having an upper endoscopy, colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, you will be asked to refrain from eating and drinking for several hours before your procedure. You also will need to arrange for someone to drive you home and to stay with you after the procedure, as you will be sedated during the endoscopy to keep you comfortable and sleepy. If you are having a colonoscopy, your physician may ask you to conduct a colon prep before the procedure. Read the colon preparation guide here.
Conditions diagnosed or treated by these procedures:
Upper Endoscopy
Barrett’s esophagus
Bile duct diseases
Cancers of the pancreas, liver, and esophagus
Celiac disease
Gastric ulcer
Heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Swallowing disorders
Lower Endoscopy (Colonoscopy)
Abdominal pain
Cancer of the colon or rectum
Colon polyps
Crohn’s disease
Diarrhea and constipation
Diverticulosis and diverticulitis
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Ulcerative colitis
Procedure Locations
We perform endoscopies at the following locations:
North Memorial Medical Center
Maple Grove Hospital
North Memorial Ambulatory Surgery Center Maple Grove
Minnetonka Ambulatory Surgery Center
North Metro Surgery Center
Buffalo Hospital
CentraCare Health – Monticello
What to expect after the procedure
You will be monitored for a short time after your procedure until you feel less groggy and can drink a small amount of liquids. You may remember portions of your procedure, but many patients do not. It is important to have a responsible adult drive you home and stay with you until you feel back to normal. You may be sleepy for most of the day, and you may find yourself burping more than usual for a few hours. This is normal.
You will be provided a list of symptoms to watch for and a number to call if you have questions or concerns. You should not drive or operate machinery on the day of your procedure, but you may return to work the next day. Return to a normal diet slowly, depending on how you are feeling. You may have a small amount of bloating, but if you have sudden or uncontrolled chest or abdominal pain, please call our office. Check with your physician to see if you need to schedule a follow-up visit. We will discuss the results of your procedure with you and forward a copy to your primary care physician, if appropriate. If any biopsies are taken, we will call you with the results in a few business days.
Surgeons Who Perform Upper Endoscopy / Colonoscopy
Upper endoscopy procedures are used to diagnose a variety of conditions in your esophagus, stomach and upper intestine. They also can be used to stop bleeding in your esophagus, remove a polyp or widen an area of your esophagus that has narrowed. You may also hear an endoscopy referred to as an esphago-gastro-duodenoscopy, or EGD. A colonoscopy is used to diagnose conditions in your lower intestine, or colon.
