Upper endoscopy lets your doctor examine the lining of the upper part of your gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine). Your doctor will use a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope, which has its own camera lens and light source. This transmits the images to a video monitor.
Why is upper endoscopy done?
Upper endoscopy helps your doctor evaluate symptoms of upper abdominal pain, nausea, acid reflux, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and other upper GI symptoms. It can also be used to identify the cause of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract and to detect inflammation, ulcers and tumors of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum.
Your doctor might use upper endoscopy to obtain a biopsy (small tissue sample). This typically does not cause any discomfort. A biopsy may help to distinguish between benign (not worrisome) and malignant (cancerous) tissues. Biopsies are taken for many reasons, even when cancer is not suspected. For example, your doctor might use a biopsy to test for Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that can live in the stomach and cause ulcers.
Upper endoscopy is also used to treat conditions of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Your doctor can pass instruments through the endoscope to directly treat many abnormalities. For example, your doctor might stretch (dilate) a narrowed area, remove polyps (usually benign growths) or treat bleeding.
What preparations are required?
An empty stomach allows for the best and safest examination, so you should have nothing to eat or drink, including water, for approximately six to eight hours before the examination. Your doctor will tell you when to start fasting as the timing can vary. Tell your doctor in advance about any medications you take as you might need to adjust your usual dose prior to the examination. Discuss any allergies to medications as well as medical conditions, such as heart or lung disease.
Can I take my current medications?
Most medications can be continued as usual, but some medications can interfere with the preparation or the examination. Inform your doctor about medications you are taking, particularly aspirin products or antiplatelet agents (i.e clopidogrel or ticagrelor), arthritis medications, anticoagulants (blood thinners such as warfarin or heparin), insulin or iron products. Also, be sure to mention any allergies you have to medications.
What happens during upper endoscopy?
Your doctor might start by spraying your throat with a local anesthetic or by giving you a sedative to help you relax. You will then lie on your side or back, and your doctor will pass the endoscope through your mouth and into the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The endoscope doesn’t interfere with your breathing. Most patients consider the test only slightly uncomfortable, and many patients fall asleep during the procedure.
What happens after upper endoscopy?
You will be monitored until most of the effects of the medication have worn off. Your throat might be a little sore, and you might feel bloated because of the air introduced into your stomach during the test. You will be able to eat after you leave unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.
Your physician will likely explain the results of the examination to you, although you will probably have to wait for the results of any biopsies performed.
If you have been given sedatives during the procedure, someone must drive you home and stay with you. Even if you feel alert after the procedure, your judgment and reflexes could be impaired for the rest of the day. Therefore you will not be able to drive, operate machinery, or make legal decisions the day of the endoscopy exam.
What are the possible adverse events of upper endoscopy?
Although adverse events can occur even with doctors who are specially trained and experienced with the procedure, they are rare. Bleeding can occur at a biopsy site or where a polyp was removed, but it’s usually minimal and rarely requires further testing or treatment. Perforation (a hole or tear in the gastrointestinal tract lining) may require surgery but this is a rare adverse event. Some patients might have a reaction to the sedatives or complications from heart or lung disease. Although adverse events after upper endoscopy are very uncommon, it’s important to recognize early signs. Contact your doctor immediately if you have a fever after the test or if you notice any trouble swallowing, throat, chest/abdominal pain, or bleeding, including black stools. Note that bleeding can occur several days after the procedure. If you have any concerns about a possible complication, it is always best to contact your doctor right away.