Upper GI Endoscopy /w Bravo

What is the test?

This test is ordered by your GI provider to evaluate the upper portion of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and to place a special capsule in your esophagus that monitors acid reflux. This capsule will communicate wirelessly to a small recorder that you will wear during the test. At the end of the test, the small capsule falls off by itself and is eliminated, and you only have to return the recorder.

Why do we do the test?

An EGD with BRAVO is typically ordered to determine if acid reflux is the cause of your symptoms. This test is performed over a 48-96-hour period. You will have to keep a food diary and record specific symptoms that occur during the test. Our nurses will review this in detail with you at the time the capsule is placed.

How to prepare?

Following your visit in the office or phone call with a nurse we will set up a time and date for your procedure. Depending on your circumstance, you may need special accommodations including advanced anesthesia or a hospital setting. We will give you instructions on which medications are OK to take and which medications you may need to hold. Please inform your provider if you take diabetes medications or blood thinners (ie. Aspirin, Plavix, Warfarin) so we can give you special instructions. We recommend that all of our patients refrain from eating for 6 hours prior to their procedure, this allows plenty of time for your stomach to empty. Please always make arrangements to have a friend or family member accompany you to the procedure and drive you home.

Your provider will likely have you hold some or all of your antacid and reflux medications for the duration of the test. Your provider will go over specific instructions with you depending on your circumstance.

What to expect?

When you arrive at our ASC or one of our partner hospitals, you will be checked in and brought to our pre-procedure area. Here you will meet with our nurses and an intravenous (IV) catheter will be inserted into your hand or arm. This small tube will allow your doctor to administer sedation for the test. The majority of our cases are performed under conscious sedation, this is not general anesthesia and you may experience wakefulness at times, and our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible. Safety is always our number one priority. When the procedure is completed you will be brought to the recovery area and your doctor will update you with results prior to your departure. If a biopsy is taken, the result will be sent to you typically within 7-10 days. When the capsule is attached to your esophagus it may cause some minor discomfort or chest pain, this is common and usually improves within a few hours.

Risks

EGD with BRAVO is quite safe. Rare, but serious risks of the procedure include bleeding, damage to the intestine including perforation, medication allergy, infection, breathing issues, and pain that warrants capsule removal. If you have questions regarding the risks please discuss with your provider.