Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is a procedure that allows the doctor to look at the interior lining of the upper digestive tract (the esophagus, stomach, and upper end of the small intestine) through a thin, flexible viewing instrument called an endoscope. The tip of the endoscope is inserted through the mouth and then gently moved down the throat into the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine (duodenum).
Through the endoscope, the doctor can look for ulcers, inflammation, tumors, infection, or bleeding. Tissue samples can be collected (for biopsy), polyps can be removed, and bleeding can be treated through the endoscope. Endoscopy can reveal problems that do not show up on X-ray tests and can sometimes eliminate the need for exploratory surgery.
An upper GI endoscopy is also known as an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (say “ih-SOF-uh-go-GAS-tro-DOO-aw-duh-NAW-skuh-pee”), or EGD.
Why is an upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy done?
An upper GI endoscopy may be done to find problems in the esophagus, stomach, andduodenum.
This procedure may also look for the cause of symptoms such as:
- Heartburn.
- The stomach feeling full.
- Vomiting blood.
- Upper belly pain or bloating.
- Trouble swallowing (dysphagia).
- Unexplained weight loss.
- An infection, such asHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
The procedure may look for problems such as:
- An inflamed esophagus (esophagitis) or stomach (gastritis) or intestines (Crohn's disease).
- Stomach acid and juices that move back up into your esophagus (reflux), such as with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Celiac disease.
- Narrowing of the esophagus.
- Enlarged and swollen veins (varices) in the esophagus or stomach.
- Ulcers.
It may also be done to:
- Check the healing of stomach ulcers.
- Check the stomach or intestine after a surgery.
- Collect tissue samples to be tested. (This is called a biopsy.)
- Remove growths (polyps).
- Remove food or a foreign object that is stuck.
- Treat problems or diseases in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
How is an upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy done?
Before the procedure, your throat may be numbed with an anesthetic spray, gargle, or lozenge. This makes it easier to insert the endoscope into your throat.
During the endoscopy, you will probably get pain medicine and a sedative through an intravenous (I.V.) line in your arm or hand. So you may not remember much about the procedure.
You'll lie on your left side with your head bent slightly forward. A mouth guard may be placed in your mouth to protect your teeth from the scope. Then the lubricated tip of the scope will be guided into your mouth. The scope will not cause problems with breathing.
The doctor will check the lining of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The doctor may also collect tissue samples (biopsy), remove growths, or stop bleeding.
How do you prepare for an upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy?
Do not eat or drink anything for 6 to 8 hours before the procedure. An empty stomach helps your doctor see your stomach clearly during the endoscopy.
Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your procedure. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the procedure and how soon to do it.
It's common to feel nervous about medical procedures. So talk to your doctor about what happens before, during, and after the endoscopy. This can help you feel more prepared. Be sure you understand exactly what procedure is planned. Know the risks, benefits, and other options.
Arrange to have someone take you home after the procedure.
What do the results of an upper GI endoscopy mean?
A normal endoscopy result means that the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine (duodenum) look normal.
Abnormal results include:
- Inflammation or irritation in the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine.
- Bleeding or an ulcer.
- A tumor, a tear, or dilated veins.
- A hiatal hernia.
- A narrow section (stricture) in the esophagus.
- A foreign object in the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine.
A biopsy sample may be taken to:
- Find the cause of inflammation.
- See if tumors or ulcers contain cancer cells.
- Find bacteria or a fungus that sometimes causes infections in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum.
Your doctor may be able to talk to you about some results right after your test. But the medicines you get to help relax you may affect your memory. So your doctor may wait until they fully wear off. It may take 2 to 4 days for some results. Tests for certain infections may take a few weeks.
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