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Endoscopy

Endoscopy
An upper endoscopy can provide answers to problems with your upper digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine, known as the duodenum. At Arlington Gastroenterology Services, board-certified gastroenterologist Hamid Kamran, MD, FACG, performs endoscopies to evaluate symptoms such as unintended weight loss and abdominal pain and to investigate abnormal growths. To schedule an endoscopy at the Arlington, Texas, office, call or use the online booking tool.

Digestive Health Evaluation with Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to examine the inside of the digestive tract using a thin, flexible tube equipped with a small camera. This procedure allows doctors to closely observe the esophagus, stomach, and the beginning of the small intestine to identify possible abnormalities. It is commonly used to detect conditions such as ulcers, inflammation, bleeding, or signs of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and other digestive disorders.
During the procedure, the endoscope is gently inserted through the mouth, providing clear images that help physicians diagnose and evaluate digestive health problems. In some cases, doctors may also take small tissue samples for further testing or treat minor issues during the same procedure. Endoscopy is considered a safe and effective method for early diagnosis, helping patients receive timely treatment and maintain better gastrointestinal health.

What is an upper endoscopy?

An endoscopy is a procedure that examines your digestive tract using an endoscope, a long, flexible tube with a high-definition camera or an ultrasound device on the end. A colonoscopy is a type of endoscopy that examines your colon.
The term “upper endoscopy” refers to an endoscopy that checks your upper digestive tract, which includes your esophagus, your stomach, and the beginning of your small intestine (duodenum).
In an upper endoscopy, Dr. Kamran passes the endoscope into your mouth and throat, then slowly moves it through your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The endoscope produces images of your digestive tract, which he views on a monitor.
In addition to viewing the inside of your digestive tract, Dr. Kamran may attach a tool to the endoscope so he can take a biopsy of abnormal tissue or treat problems with your digestive system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are upper endoscopies performed?

Dr. Kamran may recommend an upper endoscopy to investigate symptoms in your digestive tract such as:
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain that is not heart-related
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Difficulty swallowing
An upper endoscopy is also a diagnostic tool. By looking at the inside of your digestive tract, Dr. Kamran can identify:
  • Acid reflux disease, also known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
  • Narrowing or blockages
  • Inflammation and ulcers
  • Tumors, polyps (precancerous growths), and other abnormal growths
  • Cancers of the digestive system
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Infections
If Dr. Kamran identifies a problem with your digestive tract, he may take a tissue sample (biopsy) or a fluid sample. He can also treat a range of problems using tools attached to the end of the endoscope. This includes controlling bleeding, removing abnormal growths, widening narrow passages, and removing blockages.

What should I expect from an upper endoscopy?

You need to fast for eight hours before your upper endoscopy. Usually, this means scheduling your procedure for the morning and not eating after midnight the night before.
Be sure to tell Dr. Kamran about the medications you take. For your safety, you may need to stop certain medications, including blood thinners, for a few days before the procedure. If you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes, and can’t stop your medication, Dr. Kamran provides special instructions to prepare for the test. Before the procedure, you receive a numbing spray in your throat, as well as an intravenous pain reliever and sedative. This allows you to be comfortable during the procedure. You may feel some pressure as the endoscope passes into your throat, but the procedure shouldn’t be painful.
The procedure usually lasts 15-30 minutes. Because of the sedatives, it’s not safe to drive afterward. Be sure to arrange for a ride home. To schedule an endoscopy at Arlington Gastroenterology Services, call or use the online booking tool today.