What is Upper Endoscopy?
Upper endoscopy is a medical procedure that allows your doctor to examine the lining of your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This includes your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope is used. The endoscope has a camera and light source, and it sends live images to a video monitor for your doctor to review.
You might hear upper endoscopy referred to by other names, such as upper GI endoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), or panendoscopy.
Why is Upper Endoscopy Done?
Doctors perform upper endoscopy for several reasons, including diagnosing, evaluating, and even treating various digestive issues.
Common Reasons for Upper Endoscopy:
- Persistent Symptoms: It helps identify the cause of upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or trouble swallowing.
- Bleeding: It’s the most effective test for detecting the source of bleeding in the upper GI tract.
- Inflammation, Ulcers, or Tumors: Upper endoscopy provides a clearer view than X-rays for spotting these conditions in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum.
Biopsies and Tests:
Doctors often use upper endoscopy to take small tissue samples (biopsies) for further analysis. A biopsy can help distinguish between non-cancerous and cancerous tissues or test for infections like Helicobacter pylori, a common cause of stomach ulcers. Your doctor may also perform a cytology test by collecting cells with a small brush for examination.
How Upper Endoscopy Helps Treat Conditions
Upper endoscopy isn’t just for diagnosis—it can also treat several conditions directly. With the help of specialized tools passed through the endoscope, your doctor can:
- Widen Narrowed Areas: Stretch or dilate constricted sections of the GI tract.
- Remove Growths: Take out benign polyps or other abnormalities.
- Stop Bleeding: Treat areas of active bleeding in the digestive tract.
These treatments are typically quick and cause minimal or no discomfort.
Upper endoscopy is a versatile procedure that helps diagnose and treat many upper GI tract conditions, providing valuable insights to improve your health and well-being.
