Upper Endoscopy Test and Procedure
Overview
An upper endoscopy (also called upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy [EGD]) is a medical test that lets doctors look at the upper GI tract. This part of the body includes the esophagus, stomach, and the first section of the small intestine. The exam uses a flexible tube with a small camera attached.
Reasons for the Procedure
Doctors often use an upper endoscopy to check and sometimes treat issues in the upper digestive tract. This test can help discover the cause of troubling symptoms, guide treatments, and monitor certain health problems.
Common Reasons for Upper Endoscopy
Finding the Cause of Symptoms: It can help explain problems like ongoing abdominal pain, heartburn, chest pain, or trouble swallowing. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and unexplained weight loss.
Diagnosing Diseases and Conditions: This test can spot or confirm diseases such as gastritis, ulcers, esophagitis, and celiac disease. It can detect growths like polyps, tumors, and cancer in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum. Doctors can also take small samples of tissue (biopsies) to check for inflammation, infection, or precancerous changes, such as those seen in Barrettโs esophagus.
- Treating Certain Problems: Sometimes, doctors put tools through the endoscope to treat issues right away. They might widen a tight spot (stricture) in the esophagus, remove a stuck object, stop bleeding from a blood vessel, or clip off a polyp.
Other Conditions Checked or Treated
| Condition | Area Affected |
|---|---|
| Gastroesophageal reflux disease | Esophagus, stomach |
| Peptic ulcers | Stomach, duodenum |
| Esophageal varices | Esophagus |
| Blockages | Esophagus, duodenum |
| Cancers and tumors | Esophagus, stomach, small intestine |
| Persistent heartburn | Esophagus, stomach |
| Hiatal hernia | Diaphragm, stomach |
| Iron deficiency anemia | Blood, digestive system |
Doctors also use endoscopy to help people with unexplained symptoms, like ongoing anemia, unexplained bleeding, or chest pain not related to the heart.
Potential Problems
Warning Signs After the Procedure
While most people recover easily, the symptoms below may signal complications and require immediate medical attention:
| Symptom | Related Issue |
|---|---|
| Fever | Infection |
| Chest pain | Injury or irritation |
| Trouble breathing | Reaction to sedation |
| Bloody/dark stool | Bleeding |
| Severe abdominal pain | Perforation, swelling |
| Vomiting blood | Bleeding in GI tract |
| Sore throat | Mild irritation post-procedure |
| Difficulty swallowing | Swelling or tear |
- Bleeding: This risk is higher when a biopsy or polyp removal occurs. Sometimes, bleeding is serious enough to require a transfusion.
- Infections: Most are mild and improve with antibiotics. The chance of infection increases if more treatment is done during the endoscopy.
- Tears in the Digestive Tract: Rarely, the lining of the esophagus or stomach may tear, which might require surgery.
- Reactions to Medication: Some people experience side effects from the sedation or anesthesia used in the procedure.
Sore throat, mild nausea, or some swelling often happen after the procedure and usually go away quickly.
Getting Ready for the Procedure
Prepare for a Smooth Recovery
Taking the right steps before an endoscopy can help reduce risks with sedation or anesthesia. Patients usually fast, avoiding solid food for at least 8 hours and drinks for at least 4 hours before the test. This keeps the stomach empty and makes the procedure safer.
If you take any blood thinners, such as warfarin or aspirin, inform your doctor. They will let you know if these medications should be paused since they can increase bleeding risk. Always share a complete medical history, including allergies and all medicines or supplements.
This is important if you have heart issues, diabetes, or high blood pressure. During most endoscopies, doctors use light sedation or conscious sedation to help you relax. The effects of the sedative may last longer than you expect. Plan for what happens after, including:
- Arrange a ride home. You should not drive yourself because your focus and decision-making can be affected for at least 24 hours.
- Take the day off work. Rest at home while the sedative fully wears off.
- Avoid making important financial or personal choices until the next day.
What You Can Expect
What Happens While the Procedure Is Done
When the gastroenterologist performs an upper endoscopy, the patient lies down on either their back or side. During the exam, the care team attaches monitors to the patient’s body to track heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.
Most people receive medicine through an IV in their arm to help them relax. This sedative makes the procedure more comfortable. A throat spray can provide numbing relief. The care team may ask the patient to use a mouth guard, which keeps the mouth open during the test.
A gastroenterologist uses a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope. The doctor gently places the tube into the mouth and guides it down the throat. Sometimes, the doctor asks the patient to swallow to help move the scope. The tube does not block breathing, but it does make speaking difficult.
Camera and Images: The small camera at the end of the endoscope sends live video to a monitor. The doctor watches the screen for any problems in the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or the first part of the small intestine. The doctor can save images for later review.
Inflating the Digestive Tract: The doctor might blow a little air through the endoscope to inflate the digestive tract. This helps them see all areas clearly. The pressure from the air might make the person feel a bit full or uncomfortable.
Biopsies and Remove Objects: The doctor may pass special tools through the endoscope. They can collect tiny tissue samples (biopsies), remove growths like polyps (polypectomy), remove items that should not be in the digestive tract, or cauterize bleeding spots.
A table can help show some common actions during the endoscopy:
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Monitors attached | Track vital signs |
| Sedative given | Helps relaxation |
| Throat numbed | Comfort during tube insertion |
| Endoscope guided in | Used to view inside and perform tasks |
| Air inflated | Digestive tract expanded for viewing |
| Biopsies/polyp removal | Tools used for samples or polyp removal |
The procedure usually lasts from 15 to 30 minutes. At the end, the doctor gently removes the scope from the mouth.
What to Expect After the Test
After the procedure, medical staff move the patient to a recovery space. Here, they check vital signs as the sedative wears off. This recovery period can last about an hour. Once home, some mild symptoms can happen:
- Slight bloating or extra gas
- Mild cramps
- A sore throat
These symptoms are normal and should improve on their own. If there is ongoing pain or concerns, contact a healthcare provider. It’s best to take it easy for the rest of the day. Because the sedative can make people feel alert but still slow their reflexes and thinking, driving or doing risky activities should be avoided for the day.
Findings
The timing of results depends on whether a biopsy was done. If no tissue was collected, the doctor may discuss results immediately. Biopsy results typically take several days. Always ask your doctor when and how results will be shared.
The results indicate if any abnormal areas are benign or malignant. Patients should talk to their doctor about what the findings mean for their health.
