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Upper GI Endoscopy

What is Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy?

Upper GI endoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor uses an endoscope a flexible tube with a camera to see the lining of your upper GI tract. One of our providers performs the procedure, most often while you receive light sedation to help you relax.

Also call the procedure endoscopy, upper endoscopy, EGD or esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Our Physicians use upper GI endoscopy to help diagnose and treat symptoms and conditions that affect the esophagus, stomach, and upper intestine or duodenum.

Upper GI endoscopy can help find the cause of unexplained symptoms, such as:

  • persistent heartburn
  • bleeding
  • nausea and vomiting
  • pain
  • problems swallowing
  • unexplained weight loss
  • Upper GI endoscopy can be used to identify many different diseases:
  • gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • ulcers
  • cancer
  • inflammation, or swelling
  • precancerous abnormalities such as Barrett’s esophagus
  • celiac disease
  • strictures or narrowing of the esophagus
  • blockages

Upper GI endoscopy can check for damage after a person eats or drinks harmful chemicals.

During upper GI endoscopy, a physician obtains biopsies by passing an instrument through the endoscope to obtain a small piece of tissue for testing. Biopsies are needed to diagnose conditions such as:

  • cancer
  • celiac disease
  • gastritis

How Do I Prepare For an Upper GI Endoscopy?

You should talk with your doctor about your medical history, including medical conditions and symptoms you have, allergies, and all prescribed and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take, including:

  • aspirin or medicines that contain aspirin
  • arthritis medicines
  • blood thinners
  • blood pressure medicines
  • diabetes medicines
  • nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen

You can take most medicines as usual, but you may need to adjust or stop some medicines for a short time before your upper GI endoscopy. Your physician will tell you about any necessary changes to your medicines before the procedure.