Gastroenterology Procedure Unit
Upper Endoscopy
An upper endoscopy is a look inside the esophagus (food pipe), stomach, and beginning of the small intestine (bowel). In this procedure, the doctor passes a long, thin, flexible tube with a light on the end through the mouth and esophagus. The tube goes down into the stomach and small intestine. As the doctor passes the tube, he or she looks at these areas and may take small samples of tissues called biopsies.
Why is it necessary?
An upper endoscopy is done to help find the cause of your child's symptoms, such as abdominal pain or vomiting.
How should I prepare my child?
Food and Drink: Your child must have an empty stomach for an upper endoscopy. After midnight, do not give your child any solid food, milk or milk products, formula or any juices with pulp such as orange, pineapple or grapefruit juice.
- If your child is younger than 6 months, he may drink clear liquids until two hours before the scheduled test time. Breastmilk is considered a clear liquid.
- If your child is older than 6 months, he may drink clear liquids until three hours before the scheduled test time.
Examples of clear liquids are breastmilk, water, apple juice, cranberry juice, Pedialyte and Gatorade. Formula is not a clear liquid.
Medications:
- Your child should not take medicines containing Ibuprofen or Naproxen for four days prior to the procedure. These medicines include, but are not limited to, Motrin, Advil, Pediaprofen, Aleve and Naprosyn.
- Your child should not take aspirin products for 1 week prior to the procedure.
Talking to your child: It is helpful to be honest with your child about the test. Explain in simple terms why the test is needed. Let your child know that you will be nearby during the test.
Where is the procedure done?
Upper endoscopies are usually done in the Endoscopy Unit. Sometimes they are done in the operating room. The GI doctor will decide the best place for your child. If your child is scheduled for the operating room, a nurse will call you the afternoon before and tell you where to come. Call the Day Surgery Unit at 617-355-7921 between 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. if you do not receive a call.
Please do not bring other children to the procedure. If you must bring other children, please bring another adult to care for them.
Your child's primary GI doctor will perform the procedure. A nurse will stay with your child and carefully observe him or her for the entire time.
What happens before the test?
If your child is having the test in the Endoscopy Unit please arrive 45 minutes before the scheduled time of the test. It is important that you are on time. If you are late, the procedure may be canceled.
If you park your car at the Children's Hospital Boston garage, bring your parking ticket with you and have it stamped at the Lobby Information Desk.
The Endoscopy Unit is located in the Farley building on the third floor. Follow the signs for the Farley/Pavilion elevators. Take the Farley/Pavilion elevators to the third floor. Follow the signs for the Endoscopy Unit.
When you arrive at the Endoscopy Unit you will be greeted by a nurse who will explain the test and answer your questions. You will be asked to sign a consent form. You must be the childs legal guardian to sign the consent form. Then, your child will be weighed and given hospital pajamas.
What happens during the test?
You and your child will be brought into the room where the test is done. If he or she has a favorite toy, blanket, music tape or CD, you may bring it along. You may stay with your child until he or she falls asleep. You may wait in the Family Waiting Area or elsewhere in the hospital. We ask that you do not leave the hospital while your child is in the Endoscopy Unit.
Your child will have an IV (intravenous) placed. Your child will then be given medicine through the IV. This will make your child sleepy and very relaxed. The doctor will spray a numbing medicine in the mouth to make the test more comfortable. This does not hurt, but some children do not like the taste.
Throughout the procedure, your child will be attached to a heart monitor by wires connected to three stickers on the chest. He or she will also have a small-lighted sticker on a finger or toe attached to an oxygen monitor.
The test usually takes about 30 minutes to complete.
What happens after the test?
When the test is complete, the doctor will speak with you in Family Waiting Area. From there, a nurse will bring you to the recovery area to be with your child.
In the recovery area, a nurse will be with your child and carefully observe him or her during the entire recovery time. When your child is fully awake, he or she may have clear liquids to drink. Once your child is able to keep liquids down, the IV will be removed.
We ask that you do not bring siblings or other young children into the recovery area. Children may wait with another adult in the Family Waiting Area.
Children are usually able to go home about one hour after the test is done. The nurse will review all instructions with you and give you information sheets.
Patients who receive sedation must have a responsible adult with them when they leave the hospital. Since your child may still be sleepy or unsteady, please arrange to have private transportation to go home. Do not plan to take a bus or the MBTA. If a ride has not been arranged, the procedure may be canceled.
Children do not usually experience discomfort after this test. Some children have a slight sore throat.
How will we be informed of the results?
Your doctor will speak with you as soon as the procedure is done. If biopsies were obtained, it will take about five to seven days for results.
When to call your child's doctor or nurse
If you have any questions about the procedure, call the GI/Endoscopy Unit at 617- 355-6172 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Ask to speak to one of the nurses.
For emergencies, you can call a GI doctor 24 hours a day. Call the hospital page operator at 617-355-6369 and ask for the GI fellow on call.
