Upper GI Endoscopy

01/17/08

What is Upper GI Endoscopy?

Upper GI endoscopy is a special exam of your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. If you are having symptoms of an upper GI problem, this procedure may be done to help find the cause. It can also help treat upper GI problems, as well.

Upper GI Anatomy

Upper GI endoscopy allows your doctor to look directly into the upper parts of the GI tract. The esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) make up the upper GI tract.

What Upper GI Endoscopy Can Do

Upper GI endoscopy helps diagnose ulcers, gastritis, growths, causes of bleeding or pain, and cancer. It may detect the presence H. pylori, a type of bacteria that causes ulcers. It is also used for taking a sample of tissue (biopsy). Foreign objects or growths can be removed. Bleeding can be stopped. and narrowed areas (strictures) can be opened.

The Procedure

A doctor and a nurse perform the procedure. It takes about 15 minutes.

During the Procedure

	You lie on the endoscopy table.
	You are given sedating (relaxing) medication through an intravenous (IV) line.
	You swallow the endoscope. This is thinner than most pieces of food that you swallow. It will not affect your breathing. The medication helps keep you from gagging.
	Air is inserted to expand you GI tract. This air can make you burp.
	The endoscope carries images of your upper GI tract to a video screen. Prints of the video images can be taken. these prints are stored as a record of your exam.
	After the procedure is done, you rest for a time. An adult must drive you home.

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This site was last updated 08/13/07