The Basics – Upper GI Endoscopy

Do you get sudden pains in the upper part of your stomach followed by nausea, dizziness, tiredness, heartburn, acidity or vomiting? Are the symptoms getting worse with every passing day even after taking off the self-medication? These symptoms are usually linked with upper intestinal tract can be the result of some serious problems or even major diseases. Early diagnosis the actual problem is mandatory in such cases and this can be done using a wide range of tests and examinations. One of the most advanced medical exams used to diagnose the problems of upper intestinal tract is Upper GI Endoscopy. New Jersey Medical Board widely recommends this procedure to diagnose problems of upper intestinal tract or digestive system at an early stage.

AN OVERVIEW OF UPPER GI ENDOSCOPY:

Below is an overview of the Upper GI Endoscopy procedure, its uses and benefits:

DEFINITION:

Upper GI Endoscopy or Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy is the visual examination of upper digestive tract or upper intestinal tract with the help of long, flexible tube and a tiny camera giving a clear picture of digestive organs. Gastroenterologist is the physician who specializes in treating the diseases of digestive tract, uses Endoscopy exam to diagnose the problems or diseases in esophagus, stomach, and upper part of small intestine called duodenum. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, a medical term for the test of Upper GI Endoscopy, can be performed at doctor’s clinic, hospital or outpatient surgery center and is used to treat conditions affecting the digestive tract.

REASONS TO PERFORM THE PROCEDURE:

• The most important reason to perform Upper GI Endoscopy procedure is to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the upper part of digestive system which includes your esophagus, stomach and duodenum.
• The doctor performs Endoscopy to investigate the major causes behind these digestive signs and symptoms that you are experiencing. These symptoms might include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding and difficulty in swallowing.
• Another reason of Endoscopy is for the diagnoses of problems. The doctor use Endoscopy to collect tissue samples that are used to treat diseases or conditions such as anemia, cancers of digestive tract, bleeding, diarrhea and inflammation.
• Endoscopy can also be used to treat different conditions or problems in the digestive system. These conditions include widening of narrow esophagus, burning of bleeding blood vessel, removing any foreign object and cutting off a polyp.

Sometimes, the procedure of Endoscopy is combined with Ultrasound to diagnose some certain problems in more depth. In this procedure, ultrasound probe is attached to Endoscope that creates specialized images of the inner lining/wall of esophagus and stomach. Endoscopic ultrasound helps the doctors to create clearer images of those organs that are hard to reach.

PREPARATION OF THE PROCEDURE:

The doctor gives some instructions to prepare you for the Endoscopy. The doctor may ask to avoid eating and drinking 4-8 hours before the procedure. Avoid blood thinning medications as they can increase the risk of bleeding. Patients with diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease get specific instructions regarding their medications before the procedure is performed.

PROCEDURE OF UPPER GI ENDOSCOPY:

• A sedative medication is given to the patient. It helps the patient to relax during the procedure.
• Then the doctor numbs your throat through spraying anesthesia in mouth. This is done because long, flexible tube called Endoscope is inserted through the mouth.
• Then Endoscope is inserted in the mouth. As the scope passes down to your throat you may feel some pressure but there is no pain.
• As the scope passes down to the esophagus, the tiny camera at the tip of scope take images and transmits them to video monitor. These images give a clear look of the problems or abnormalities in upper digestive tract.
• Some special surgical tools can also be utilized to collect tissue sample or to remove polyp.

POSSIBLE RISKS INVOLVED IN THE PROCEDURE:

UPPER GI ENDOSCOPY IS A SAFE AND MINIMAL INVASIVE PROCEDURE. SOME VERY RARE RISKS OR COMPLICATIONS INCLUDE:

• The risk of bleeding can increase after the procedure if in case it involves removing a tissue sample for testing (biopsy) or treating any digestive tract problem.
• The risk of infection is very low. The risk of infection can only increases if the Endoscopy involves additional procedures. If infection occurs then it can be treated with antibiotics. Your doctor can give you antibiotics before Endoscopy if you’re at high risk of developing infection.
• The risk of the tear in gastrointestinal tract is also very low. Again it can only increase if additional procedures performed which include widening of esophagus. A tear in esophagus or any part of upper digestive system may require hospitalization and surgery.

The Risk of these complications can reduce if you follow the doctor’s instructions carefully before the procedure such as avoid certain medications and fasting.

RESULTS OF THE PROCEDURE:

The time to get the results of Endoscopy depends on the specific problem or condition. For example, if the procedure is performed to diagnose ulcer then you can receive the results just after the procedure. If doctor collects tissue sample then it may take few days for results. Your doctor can help you and guide you when you can receive the report of Upper GI Endoscopy results.

CONTACT OUR PHYSICIANS FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT UPPER GI ENDOSCOPY:

GI Endoscopy Practice is conveniently located in Riverdale, NJ. Our trained specialists and experienced physicians properly perform the procedure of Upper GI Endoscopy and provide the best treatment plan tailor according to individual needs. The procedure of Upper GI Endoscopy is cost-effective so that you can easily afford the examination. Book an appointment with our physicians.