Parent Guide
Preparing Your Child for Endoscopy
A step-by-step guide to help your family feel confident and ready for your child's upper endoscopy or colonoscopy.
If your child needs an upper endoscopy (EGD) or colonoscopy, it is completely normal to feel nervous. Most parents worry about sedation, fasting, and how their child will handle the experience. The good news is that pediatric endoscopy is very safe, and with the right preparation most children do well.
At PediGut Health, we coordinate every detail: a pre-procedure visit where we answer every question, a pediatric anesthesia team that specializes in children, and personal follow-up from Dr. Mendez after the procedure. This guide covers what you can do at home to make the day go smoothly.
How to prepare
Talk to Your Child
Use age-appropriate language. For younger kids, explain the doctor will use a tiny camera to take pictures inside their tummy. For teens, be honest about sedation and what they will feel. Avoid scary words like cut or knife.
Follow Fasting Instructions
Your child will need an empty stomach before sedation. We provide clear written instructions based on age and procedure time. Typically no solid food for 6-8 hours and no clear liquids for 2 hours beforehand. Follow these exactly for safety.
Plan Meals the Day Before
For upper endoscopy, a normal diet the day before is fine. For colonoscopy, a special diet and bowel prep are needed. We provide a pediatric-friendly prep plan and tips to help your child get through it.
Bring Comfort Items
A favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or book can make a big difference. Many children feel most anxious right before going into the procedure room. Familiar items help them feel safe.
Review Medications
Bring a complete list of medications, doses, and timing. Some medications need to be held before procedures, while others should be continued. We review this at the pre-procedure visit so there are no surprises.
Know the Recovery Plan
Most children wake up groggy but calm. They can go home the same day. Plan quiet activities at home for the rest of the day. Some throat soreness after EGD or mild cramping after colonoscopy is normal. We send home clear instructions and a direct line for questions.
What happens on the day of the procedure
You will arrive at the accredited pediatric facility where the procedure is performed. A nurse will check your child's vital signs, confirm the fasting period, and help them get comfortable. The anesthesia team will meet with you to review the sedation plan.
Dr. Mendez will see you before the procedure to confirm the plan and answer any last-minute questions. The procedure itself typically takes 15-45 minutes depending on what is being done. You will join your child in recovery as soon as they begin to wake up.
Before you leave, Dr. Mendez will review the initial findings with you. If biopsies were taken, those results return in about one to two weeks, and we call you personally to discuss them and the next steps.
Questions about your child's upcoming procedure?
We are here to walk you through every step. Reach out for a pre-procedure consultation or with any concerns.