A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

ENDOSCOPY : UPPER GI

Why is an Upper GI Endoscopy performed ?

Some disorders of the gullet and stomach can be treated without certainty as to the cause. However, in many cases it is essential to be quite certain what condition is being treated. Endoscopy can reduce the need for other tests. The examination is usually performed because of persistent symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, anaemia, weight loss or difficulty with swallowing. It is used to diagnose the cause of bleeding when this occurs.

Preparations needed for an Upper GI Endoscopy

It is important that the stomach is empty of any food and therefore you will be advised to avoid any food or drink for several hours. Specific instructions will be provided. You will usually be asked to continue any medication but this should be discussed in advance. It is important that the doctor or nurse is aware if you have diabetes.

What Happens during an Upper GI Endoscopy

You will usually be offered a choice of either having some sedation by vein just before the procedure or having a local anaesthetic spray to the throat. The advantage of the local anaesthetic spray is that you will be able to leave shortly after the procedure and can continue normal activities for the rest of the day. For many people however the idea of being awake during the test is rather daunting and they choose to be sedated. If a visit to the dentist is something that you dread you may be better off to have the sedation!. The endoscope is a long flexible tube (usually smaller in diameter than the little finger). This is placed in the mouth in such a way that it can be easily swallowed. The doctor will be able to view the gullet, the stomach and the first bend of the small intestine (the duodenum). Sometimes a biopsy (a sample of the lining) is taken and this can be analysed in the laboratory under the microscope. A small piece of tissue can be quite painlessly removed through the endoscope using tiny forceps. This provides no discomfort after the procedure.

Possible Complications during an Upper GI Endoscopy

Upper GI endoscopy is relatively free of problems. Occasionally, there may be a sore throat following the test. Although there may be a little internal bleeding after tissue samples are taken, only rarely is there any vomiting of blood afterwards. If treatment has been carried out for an obstructed gullet, there is a small risk of perforating the gullet but this is usually discussed in advance.

After an Upper GI Endoscopy

After the procedure, there may be some pain in the throat and this will usually settle within 48 hours. If you have been sedated you will sleep for an hour after the procedure and you should not drive or operate machinery for the next 24 hours. You will usually be told the results immediately but a further appointment is often required either with your family doctor or with the hospital.

If an Upper GI Endoscopy is not performed

This depends on the cause. If an important cause of symptoms is missed (e.g. a cancer), the opportunity for early treatment may be missed. An obstructed gullet may get worse, so that no food can be taken, and fluids only with difficulty