What is upper endoscopy?
Upper endoscopy is a procedure which allows our doctors to view the lining of the upper part of your gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine). During your upper endoscopy, a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope, which has its own lens and light source, is passed through the mouth and advanced to the beginning of the small intestine.
Why is upper endoscopy done?
Upper endoscopy allows our doctors to evaluate symptoms of persistent upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. It’s also an excellent test for finding the cause of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract. Upper endoscopy is more accurate than X-ray films for detecting inflammation, ulcers and tumors of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum.
A biopsy is often obtained during an upper endoscopy. A biopsy can distinguish between benign and malignant tissues, can detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori, and can also detect Barrett’s esophagus or another other cancerous abnormalities. Upper endoscopy is also used to treat conditions of the upper gastrointestinal tract such as bleeding and to dilate strictures.
How should I prepare for the procedure?
An empty stomach is essential for an accurate and safe examination, so you should not eat or drink, including water, for approximately eight hours before the examination.
What can I expect during my procedure?
Our anesthesiologist will administer a short acting intravenous sedative and will be present to monitor your vital signs during the procedure. You should not experience any sensation of gagging or choking. A mouthpiece will be placed between your teeth to help keep your mouth open and to prevent your teeth from biting the scope. You will lie on your left side, and the endoscope will be passed through your mouth and into the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The endoscope doesn’t interfere with your breathing. The examination takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
What can I expect during my procedure?
Our anesthesiologist will administer a short acting intravenous sedative and will be present to monitor your vital signs during the procedure. You should not experience any sensation of gagging or choking. A mouthpiece will be placed between your teeth to help keep your mouth open and to prevent your teeth from biting the scope. You will lie on your left side, and the endoscope will be passed through your mouth and into the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The endoscope doesn’t interfere with your breathing. The examination takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
What happens after my procedure?
After your procedure, you will be monitored until most of the effects of the medication have worn off. Your throat may be a little sore, and you may feel bloated because of air introduced into your stomach during the test. You will be given a liquid to drink before you leave our office. Once you leave the office, you will be able to eat unless you are instructed otherwise.
Your test results will be discussed with you before you leave. The biopsy results will take approximately 5 business days to return from the pathologist. You will not be allowed to drive for 12 hours and you will need to arrange for someone to accompany you home because the sedatives might affect your judgment and reflexes for the rest of the day.
What are the possible complications of upper endoscopy?
Although complications are rare, bleeding can occur at a biopsy site or where a polyp was removed. If this occurs, it’s generally minimal and will not require a follow-up visit. Other potential risks include a reaction to the sedative used and a perforation in the gastrointestinal tract. It is important to recognize early signs of possible complications. If you have a fever after the test, trouble swallowing or increasing throat, chest or abdominal pain, contact our office immediately.