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    Upper Endoscopy in New Jersey

    The Digestive Health & Nutrition Center has two convenient locations in Lawrenceville and Princeton, New Jersey where you can receive the exceptional care you deserve. Angela Merlo, MD is an experienced Gastroenterologist and highly skilled in this specialized procedure giving her patients the advantage of the most accurate diagnosis and most effective treatment. Dr. Merlo performs endoscopies in adults as well as children in an Ambulatory Surgical Center or outpatient hospital when necessary.

    What is an Upper Endoscopy?

    Upper endoscopy is also referred to as endoscopy, gastroscopy or EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy). Upper endoscopy is an examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract consisting of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum where digestion of food begins. The procedure involves use of an endoscope which is a narrow flexible tube with a video camera that transmits images to a computer monitor. Dr. Merlo performs endoscopy in adults as well as children to inspect and identify potential problems for patients with heartburn, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, hiatal hernias, Barrett’s esophagus, bleeding, tumors, ulcers, and anemia. Dr. Merlo will insert other instruments through ports in the endoscope when there is the need for biopsies and resection of tumors.

    What can an Upper Endoscopy Accomplish for Me?

    Endoscopy when performed with appropriate biopsies can diagnose conditions in the esophagus, stomach and beginning of the small intestine such as:

    Is Any Preparation Necessary Before the Procedure? 

    Yes! Your stomach must be empty which means you must not eat or drink for at least 6 hours before the examination. Dr. Merlo will provide instructions to address any medical conditions you may have and what to do about medications.

    What Happens During Upper Endoscopy?

    Dr. Merlo will inset the endoscope into your mouth and held in place by a mouth guard. The vast majority of patients request sedation which insures they will not gag on the tube. Sedation does not interfere with swallowing and you will not feel any discomfort. Blood pressure, heart rhythm and breathing are monitored during the procedure. Dr. Merlo will thoroughly inspect and obtain any specimens for special testing by pathology. The procedure is usually completed in less than 20-minutes. The vast majority of patients feel no symptoms from the procedure. If you elect sedation you cannot drive the reset of the day so someone must accompany you to the center.

    What Happens After an Upper Endoscopy?

    Dr. Merlo will speak to you before you leave the center to explain her findings. You can anticipate leaving the center within two hours of your arrival. Results of biopsies are usually available within four business days.

    If you are searching for a Gastroenterologist expert for your endoscopy, contact the Digestive Health & Nutrition Center in Lawrenceville or Princeton, New Jersey for an appointment with Dr. Merlo.