Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or upper GI (gastrointestinal) endoscopy, is procedure performed by a gastroenterologist who then uses an endoscope to diagnose and treat problems in the upper digestive system. Using an endoscope, which is a lighted, flexible tube that is connected to an eyepiece or video screen for viewing, your doctor is able to perform a visual examination of the inside of the upper GI. The upper GI includes the esophagus, the stomach, and the duodenum (the beginning of the small intestine).
Your Arlington, Texas gastroenterologist will be able to adjust the various controls of the endoscope during the procedure, allowing him to safely guide the instrument and carefully examine the inside lining of the upper digestive system. As the flexible tube is guided through the upper GI a high-quality picture is transmitted to a TV monitor, providing a clear, detailed view of the area. This procedure is considered a significantly more precise examination than X-rays, allowing your gastroenterologist to more accurately evaluate the upper digestive tract and detect abnormal growths or cancerous tumors.
Upper GI Endoscopy Uses
The upper GI endoscopy is performed to diagnose and evaluate the cause symptoms patients may be experiencing. It may also be used as a preventative procedure to detect problems in the upper digestive tract at an early stage. Listed below are some of the reasons for performing an upper GI endoscopy:
- Swallowing difficulties
- Nausea or vomiting
- Reflux
- Bleeding
- Indigestion
- Abdominal pain or chest pain
- To diagnose ulcers or tumors at an early stage
During this procedure your Arlington gastrointestinal may also pass tiny instruments through an opening in the endoscope to obtain tissue samples, stop bleeding, dilate or stretch a specific area, or perform other necessary treatments.
Before the Procedure
As this procedure is designed to perform a thorough inspection of the stomach and upper digestive tract, it is important that the stomach is completely empty. Patients cannot have anything to eat or drink after midnight the evening before the procedure. Additional instructions may be provided by your gastroenterologist leading up to the procedure.
During the Procedure
During the procedure your gastroenterologist will do his best to help you be as comfortable as possible. you will be given a sedative to help make you relaxed and drowsy, allowing your doctor to more accurately perform the endoscopy. A supportive mouthpiece will be placed to assist your mouth with staying open throughout the duration of the procedure. Once everything is in place, your gastroenterologist will gently maneuver the endoscope into the proper position.
