Upper GI endoscopy is a procedure that uses a lighted, flexible endoscope with
a video camera at the tip to see inside the upper GI tract. The upper GI tract includes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum—the first part of the small intestine.

• What Problems can Upper GI Endoscopy Detect?
  Upper GI endoscopy can detect:

  • ulcers
  • abnormal growths
  • precancerous conditions
  • bowel obstruction
  • inflammation
  • hiatal hernia
• When is Upper GI Endoscopy used?
  Upper GI endoscopy can be used to determine the cause of:
  

  • abdominal pain
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • swallowing difficulties
  • gastric reflux
  • unexplained weight los
  • anemia
  • bleeding in the upper GI tract
  • the presence of Helicobacter pylori (a bacteria that causes gastritis and ulcers)

  
  Upper GI endoscopy can also be used to remove stuck objects, including food, and to treat conditions such as bleeding ulcers. It can also be used to biopsy tissue in the upper GI tract. During a biopsy, a small piece of tissue is removed for later examination with a microscope.
• How to Prepare for Upper GI Endoscopy
  The upper GI tract must be empty before upper GI endoscopy. Generally, no eating or drinking is allowed for 4 to 8 hours before the procedure.
  Patients should tell their doctor about all health conditions they have especially heart and lung problems, diabetes, and allergies and all medications they are taking. Patients may be asked to temporarily stop taking medications that affect blood clotting.
  Medications that may be restricted before and after upper GI endoscopy include:
  

  • blood thinners
  • diabetes medications

  
  Driving is not permitted for 12 after upper GI endoscopy to allow sedatives time to completely wear off. Before the appointment, patients should make plans for a ride home.
• How is Upper GI Endoscopy performed?
  An intravenous (IV) needle is placed in a vein in the arm and a sedative will be given. Sedatives help patients stay relaxed and comfortable. While patients are sedated, the doctor and medical staff monitor vital signs.
  During the procedure, patients lie on left side on an examination table. An endoscope is carefully fed down the esophagus and into the stomach and duodenum. A small camera mounted on the endoscope transmits a video image to a video monitor, allowing close examination of the stomach lining. Air is pumped through the endoscope to inflate the stomach and duodenum, making them easier to see. Special tools that slide through the endoscope allow the doctor to perform biopsies, stop bleeding, and remove abnormal growths.
• Recovery from Upper GI Endoscopy
  During this time, patients may feel bloated or nauseated. They may also have a sore throat, which can stay for a day or two. Patients will likely feel tired and should plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Unless otherwise directed, patients may immediately resume their normal diet and medications.
  Some results from upper GI endoscopy are available immediately after the procedure. The doctor will share the results with the patient and the companion and will give a written report with photos taken during the examination. Biopsy results are usually ready in less than two weeks.
• What are the Risks Associated with Upper GI Endoscopy?
  Risks associated with upper GI endoscopy include:
  

  • abnormal reaction to sedatives
  • bleeding from biopsy
  • accidental puncture of the upper GI tract

  
  Patients who experience any of the following rare symptoms after upper GI endoscopy should contact the clinic immediately:
  

  • swallowing difficulties
  • throat, chest, and abdominal pain that worsens
  • vomiting
  • bloody or very dark stool
  • fever

Points to remember:

• Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is a procedure that uses a lighted, flexible endoscope to see inside the upper GI tract.
• To prepare for upper GI endoscopy, no eating or drinking is allowed for 4 to 8 hours before the procedure.
• Patients should tell their doctor about all health conditions they have and all medications they are taking.
• Driving is not permitted for 12 after upper GI endoscopy to allow the sedative time to wear off. Before the appointment, patients must make plans for a ride home. A companion must be always available as soon as the patient arrives to the clinic.
• An intravenous (IV) needle is placed in a vein in the arm to give a sedative.
• During upper GI endoscopy, an endoscope is carefully fed into the upper GI tract and images are transmitted to a video monitor.
• Special tools that slide through the endoscope allow the doctor to perform biopsies, stop bleeding, and remove abnormal growths.
• After upper GI endoscopy, patients may feel bloated or nauseated and may also have a sore throat.
• Unless otherwise directed, patients may immediately resume their normal diet and medications.
• Possible risks of an upper GI endoscopy include abnormal reaction to sedatives, bleeding from biopsy, and accidental puncture of the upper GI tract.