Everything You Need to Know About Upper Endoscopy

Posted by Dr. Vikas Singla on February 24th, 2020

What is Upper Endoscopy?

Upper Endoscopy is the procedure that is used to diagnose problems in the upper part of gastrointestinal tract which includes the esophagus, stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine. An endoscope, a flexible tube with a camera and light attached to its tip, is used to perform upper endoscopy. Endoscope gives a clear image and video of the upper part of gastrointestinal tract which is viewed on a video monitor. Once the endoscopy is complete a report with the images of the stomach, esophagus and the upper portion of small intestine is prepared and handed over to the patient.

Upper Endoscopy is also referred to as upper GI endoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and panendoscopy. In some cases, it is combined with ultrasound to get more clear images of the upper part of gastrointestinal tract.

When does a doctor prescribe upper endoscopy?

Upper endoscopy is, usually, done for patients who visit the hospital for the treatment, but are not admitted to it. At times, it also performed under emergency to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the digestive tract.

Here are a few reasons why doctors prescribe upper endoscopy:

• To identify the causes of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, bleeding and swallowing problems
• To diagnose inflammation, ulcers, and tumors
• To treat certain types of abnormalities. Under-mentioned are the examples
• Identify and remove polyps and take a sample of it for analysis.
• Dilate the narrowed areas of esophagus, stomach and the upper portion of small intestine by using balloons, stents and other devices.
• Remove the objects obstructing esophagus or stomach

How to prepare for the procedure?

• Your doctor will ask you to fast for eight hours before the procedure.
• He/she may ask you the following questions:
• Whether you are pregnant?
• Do you have a lung or heart condition?
• Do you have allergies from any medications?
• Are you supposed to take antibiotics before any surgical procedure?
• Have you ever suffered from heart valves infection?
• Do you have an artificial heart valve?
• Are you suffering from rheumatic heart disease?
• Your doctor will ask you to take medications for high blood pressure, heart conditions and thyroid with a small sip of water
• If you are diabetic and use insulin, your doctor will ask you to adjust your dose of insulin. He will suggest you to visit the doctor taking care of diabetes to know the right dose.
• Come along with someone who can drive you back home as this procedure involves the use of sedatives.

How the procedure is done?

• A good endoscopist in Delhi or any other city will explain you the procedure in details.
• Then you will be made to wear a hospital gown.
• You will be asked to remove your eyeglasses and denture
  Then you will be given pain relievers and sedatives to keep you drowsy during the procedure.
• You will be made to wear a mouthpiece inside your mouth.
• You will be tilted to your left side.
• In the end, the endoscope will be inserted inside your mouth and moved slowly into your esophagus, then into stomach and finally into the upper part of your small intestine.

Upper endoscopy is a safe procedure, if done by an expert. However, there are some risks involved, but they rarely occur. If you feel pain in abdomen, have cough or fever, chest pain, nausea or vomiting within 72 hours of procedure, don’t wait to contact your doctor.