Screening or stable symptoms
Routine colorectal screening, stable reflux evaluation, or planned surveillance can follow scheduled preparation.
Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy in Central Texas
Upper Endoscopy & Colonoscopy
An endoscopy should answer a defined question. NuSelf helps determine whether upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, or another evaluation fits your symptoms, then explains preparation, sedation, findings, pathology, and next steps.
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What it doesUses a flexible camera to examine the digestive tract
What may happen during itBiopsy, polyp removal, dilation, or other selected treatment
What comes afterRecovery from sedation, results, pathology, and a care plan
What is this?
A flexible camera answers questions that imaging alone may not.
Upper endoscopy, also called EGD, examines the esophagus, stomach, and beginning of the small intestine. It can evaluate swallowing difficulty, persistent upper-abdominal symptoms, reflux complications, bleeding, anemia, ulcers, or anatomy after prior surgery.
Colonoscopy examines the colon and may be used for screening, bleeding, bowel changes, abnormal imaging, polyp follow-up, or other defined indications. During either procedure, the physician may collect tissue, remove selected polyps, dilate a narrowing, control bleeding, or perform another planned treatment.
- Upper endoscopy for esophageal, stomach, and duodenal questions
- Colonoscopy for colorectal screening or symptom evaluation
- Biopsy or polyp removal when appropriate
- A written procedure report followed by pathology when tissue is collected
The reason for the test determines the preparation, procedure, and follow-up, not the camera alone.
How urgent is it?
The symptom behind the test determines the timing.
Routine screening can be planned. Bleeding, progressive swallowing difficulty, anemia, weight loss, or severe symptoms require a more timely clinical assessment.
Alarm features
Progressive swallowing difficulty, anemia, unexplained weight loss, recurrent vomiting, or concerning bowel changes require timely review.
Active bleeding or severe illness
Vomiting blood, black or heavy bloody stool, fainting, severe pain, inability to swallow liquids, or breathing difficulty needs immediate care.
What happens during the procedure?
Preparation creates a safe, useful examination.
Before the procedure, the team confirms fasting or bowel-preparation instructions, transportation, allergies, sleep apnea, prior anesthesia problems, and medication issues. Blood thinners, diabetes medicines, and weight-loss medicines may require individualized instructions; do not stop or change them without direction.
Sedation is commonly used. The endoscope passes through the mouth for EGD or through the rectum for colonoscopy. The physician documents the examination and any treatment. Tissue samples require laboratory processing, so the final answer may arrive after the immediate procedure report.
Upper endoscopy
Examines the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum and can collect biopsies or perform selected therapy.
Preparation
Fasting, medication review, sedation plan, and transportation home.
Colonoscopy
Examines the colon and can remove many polyps or collect tissue during the same procedure.
Preparation
A prescribed bowel-cleansing plan, clear-liquid instructions, medication review, and a driver.
Therapeutic endoscopy
Selected tools can treat a narrowing, bleeding point, lesion, or other defined problem.
Preparation
Procedure-specific consent, risk discussion, and a follow-up plan.
One test. A complete answer.
The report is immediate; pathology may take longer.
You should leave with a preliminary explanation, written instructions, and a plan for results. If tissue is sampled, final recommendations may wait for pathology. NuSelf keeps the procedure tied to the reason it was ordered.
Review procedure preparationHow quickly?
Screening, symptoms, and follow-up each have a different clock.
Scheduling is based on why the examination is needed and whether alarm symptoms are present.
Routine examination
Screening, surveillance, or stable symptoms without bleeding, anemia, weight loss, or progressive swallowing problems.
Schedule the appropriate consultation or procedure.Accelerated evaluation
Anemia, progressive dysphagia, unexplained weight loss, recurrent vomiting, significant bowel change, or concerning imaging.
Contact a clinician for timely triage.Emergency care
Active major bleeding, fainting, severe pain, inability to swallow liquids, persistent vomiting, or breathing difficulty.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.Who will perform my procedure?
Physicians who connect endoscopy to surgical decision-making.
The NuSelf team confirms the indication, performs the appropriate examination, explains findings, and coordinates pathology or treatment when the result changes care.
Founder & Board-Certified Surgeon
Dr. Sashidhar Ganta
MD, FACS, FRCS, FRCSIYale fellowship-trained surgeon with experience in advanced minimally invasive, robotic, complex general, bariatric, revisional, and second-opinion care.
View physician profile
Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Surgeon
Dr. Suraj Panjwani
MDYale-affiliated chief residency and advanced fellowship training in minimally invasive, bariatric, robotic, and general surgery.
View physician profileWhat will I feel?
Sedation supports comfort; preparation supports safety.
Most patients do not remember much of the procedure itself. Temporary throat irritation, gas, bloating, or cramping can occur afterward. Because sedation affects judgment and coordination, a responsible adult must follow the transportation instructions.
- Clear fasting or bowel-preparation directions
- A medication and anesthesia review before the procedure
- Recovery monitoring until discharge criteria are met
- Written instructions for eating, activity, results, and warning signs
When can I return to normal?
The procedure is brief; sedation shapes the rest of the day.
Biopsy or treatment may add specific restrictions. Follow the written discharge instructions for the exact procedure performed.
Complete preparation
- Follow fasting or bowel-cleansing instructions
- Use only approved medication directions
- Arrange a responsible driver
Recover from sedation
- Rest under observation
- Resume fluids or food as directed
- Do not drive or make important decisions
Resume routine
- Return to usual activity if cleared
- Expect mild temporary throat or gas symptoms
- Call for worsening concerns
Close the loop
- Review the procedure report
- Receive pathology when available
- Complete recommended treatment or surveillance
Treatment can change the instructions. Polyp removal, dilation, bleeding treatment, or an unexpected finding may require different eating, medication, activity, or follow-up guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to your concerns.
Short answers to the questions that often come next. Your examination, testing, and medical history determine what applies to you.
Explore patient resourcesWhat is the difference between upper endoscopy and colonoscopy?
Upper endoscopy examines the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum through the mouth. Colonoscopy examines the colon through the rectum.
Will I be asleep?
Sedation is commonly used, but the exact type depends on the procedure, health, facility, and anesthesia plan. The team will explain what to expect.
Can I take my regular medicines?
Some medicines can be continued and others need individual instructions, especially blood thinners, diabetes medicines, and weight-loss medicines. Do not change medication without direction.
Why do I need a driver?
Sedation can impair reaction time, judgment, and coordination even when you feel awake. Follow the facility’s transportation and supervision requirements.
When will I know the results?
The physician usually provides preliminary findings the same day. Biopsy or polyp pathology takes additional time and can change the final recommendation.
What symptoms after endoscopy need attention?
Severe or increasing chest or abdominal pain, fever, shortness of breath, fainting, persistent vomiting, black stool, or more than expected bleeding requires prompt evaluation.
Your next step
Your Clarity™starts with a conversation.
Tell us why endoscopy was recommended, what symptoms or screening need you have, and any prior results. Explore options or schedule the appropriate NuSelf visit.
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