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. A gastroenterologist, surgeon, or other trained health care professional performs the procedure, most often while you receive light sedation to help you relax.
Doctors 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:
Upper GI endoscopy can be used to identify many different diseases:
During upper GI endoscopy, a doctor 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
Treat conditions such as bleeding from ulcers, esophageal varices, or other conditions dilate or open up strictures with a small balloon passed through the endoscope remove objects, including food, that may be stuck in the upper GI tract remove polyps or other growths place feeding tubes or drainage tubes.
Doctors are also starting to use upper GI endoscopy to perform weight loss procedures for some people with obesity.
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:
