Upper endoscopy is a procedure used to examine the upper part of the digestive tract. It is also called esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD. A medical instrument called an endoscope is used during the procedure. An endoscope is a narrow, flexible tube with a small light and camera. This procedure is performed by a gastrointestinal (GI) doctor, also called a gastroenterologist.
With the help of the endoscope, the doctor can view the inside lining of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. The oesophagus is the tube that helps in carrying food from your mouth to the stomach. The stomach holds food and starts the process of digestion. Duodenum is the upper part of the small intestine.
A gastroenterologist performs upper endoscopy to diagnose and sometimes treat conditions that affect the upper part of the digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach and the beginning of the small intestine.
A doctor may recommend upper endoscopy for the following purpose:-
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Investigate symptoms
The procedure can be used to determine the cause of digestive signs and symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing and gastrointestinal bleeding.
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Diagnose
A doctor may use upper endoscopy to collect tissue samples to diagnose diseases and conditions, including bleeding, anaemia, inflammation, diarrhoea or cancers of the digestive system.
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Treat
A doctor may also use other surgical tools and an endoscope to treat problems in the digestive system, including:
- Widening a narrow oesophagus
- Burning a vessel to stop bleeding
- Clipping off a polyp or removing a foreign object
Sometimes endoscopy is combined with other procedures, such as an ultrasound. An ultrasound probe may be attached to the endoscope to create specialised images of the wall of the oesophagus.
The doctor may recommend an upper endoscopy if you have unexplained:
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swallowing problems
- Bleeding in the upper digestive system
Upper endoscopy is typically performed on an outpatient basis where the patient doesn’t need to stay at the hospital. The patient can go home after a few hours of the procedure. Upper endoscopy may be a little bit uncomfortable but it should not be painful.
The doctor first gives you an intravenous sedative or another form of anaesthesia. Then asks you to lie on your left side and administers a numbing spray to your throat and inserts a mouthguard to protect the teeth.
After that, the doctor guides the endoscope through the mouth to the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. Air is pumped into the stomach through the endoscope to make it easier to see organs clearly.
The doctor views images from the endoscope on a video monitor while looking for problems or performing treatments. The doctor removes small pieces of tissue from the biopsy and performs the treatment if needed.
