Understanding
Upper Endoscopy
What
is upper endoscopy?
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 lens and light
source, and will view the images on a video monitor. You
might hear your doctor or other medical staff refer to
upper endoscopy as upper GI endoscopy,
esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or panendoscopy. If your
doctor has recommended upper endoscopy, this brochure will
give you a basic understanding of the procedure - how it's
performed, how it can help, and what side effects you
might experience. It can't answer all of your questions,
since a lot depends on the individual patient and the
doctor. Please ask your doctor about anything you don't
understand.
Why
is upper endoscopy done?
Upper endoscopy helps your doctor evaluate symptoms of
persistent upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or
difficulty swallowing. It's an excellent test for finding
the cause of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal
tract. It's also more accurate than X-ray films for
detecting inflammation, ulcers and tumors of the
esophagus, stomach and duodenum.
Your
doctor might use upper endoscopy to obtain a biopsy (small
tissue samples). A biopsy helps your doctor distinguish
between benign and malignant (cancerous) tissues.
Remember, biopsies are taken for many reasons, and your
doctor might order one even if he or she does not suspect
cancer. For example, your doctor might use a biopsy to
test for Helicobacter pylori, bacterium that causes
ulcers.
Your
doctor might also use upper endoscopy to perform a
cytology test, where he or she will introduce a small
brush to collect cells for analysis.
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
with little or no discomfort. For example, your doctor
might stretch a narrowed area, remove polyps (usually
benign growths) or treat bleeding.
How
should I prepare for the procedure?
An empty stomach allows for the best and safest
examination, so you should have nothing to eat or drink,
including water, for approximately six hours before the
examination. Your doctor will tell you when to start
fasting.
Tell
your doctor in advance about any medications you take; you
might need to adjust your usual dose for the examination.
Discuss any allergies to medications as well as medical
conditions, such as heart or lung disease.
Also,
alert your doctor if you require antibiotics prior to
undergoing dental procedures, because you might need
antibiotics prior to upper endoscopy as well.
What
can I expect 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'll then lie on your side, 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
doctor generally can tell you your test results on the day
of the procedure; however, the results of some tests might
take several days.
If
you received sedatives, you won't be allowed to drive
after the procedure even though you might not feel tired.
You should 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 can occur, they are rare when
doctors who are specially trained and experienced in this
procedure perform the test. Bleeding can occur at a biopsy
site or where a polyp was removed, but it's usually
minimal and rarely requires follow-up. Other potential
risks include a reaction to the sedative used,
complications from heart or lung diseases, and perforation
(a tear in the gastrointestinal tract lining). It's
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,
tell your doctor immediately.
