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Upper GI Endoscopy by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD

Definition | Reasons for Test | Possible Complications | What to Expect | Call Your Doctor

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Definition

This is a test that uses a fiberoptic scope to examine the esophagus (throat), stomach, and upper part of the small intestines.

Upper GI Endoscopy

Reasons for Test

Upper GI endoscopy may be recommended if you have:

Abdominal pain
Severe heartburn
Persistent nausea and vomiting
Difficulty swallowing
Blood in stool or vomit
Abnormal x-ray or other examinations of the gastrointestinal tract

Conditions that can be diagnosed with upper GI endoscopy include:

Ulcers
Tumors
Polyps
Abnormal narrowing
Inflammation

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have upper GI endoscopy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

Bleeding
Damage to the esophagus, stomach, or intestine
Infection
Respiratory depression (reduced breathing rate and/or depth)
Reaction to sedatives or anesthesia

Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

Age: 60 or older
Pregnancy
Obesity
Smoking, alcoholism, or drug use
Malnutrition
Recent illness
Diabetes
Heart or lung problems
Bleeding disorders
Use of certain medicines

Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the test.

What to Expect

Prior to test

Leading up to the test:

Your doctor may instruct you to take antibiotics.
Arrange for a ride home after the test. Also, arrange for help at home.
The night before, eat a light meal. Do not eat or drink anything for 6-10 hours before the test.
Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, such as:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin)
- Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plavix) or warfarin (Coumadin)

Description of the Test

To numb your throat, you may be given an anesthetic solution to gargle. Or, your throat may be sprayed with a numbing medicine. You may be given a sedative through an IV. This is to help you relax during the test.

You may be asked to lie on your left side. You will have monitors tracking your breathing, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels. If sedation is used, you will be given supplemental oxygen to breathe through your nose.

A mouthpiece will be positioned to help keep your mouth open. During the test, a small suction tube will be used to clear saliva and fluids from your mouth. The endoscope will be lubricated and placed in your mouth. You will be asked to try to swallow it. Then, it will be carefully and slowly advanced down your throat. It will be passed through your esophagus and into your stomach and intestine.

While the endoscope is being advanced, your doctor will view the images on the screen. Air may be passed through the endoscope into your digestive tract. This will be done to smooth the normal folds in the tissues, allowing your doctor to view the tissue more easily. Tiny tools may be passed through the endoscope in order to take biopsies or do other tests.

After Test

After the test, you will be observed for an hour. Then, you will be allowed to go home.

When you return home after the test, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

Rest when you get home.
Ask your doctor if you can resume your normal diet. In most cases, you will be able to.
Sedatives can slow your reaction time. Do not drive or use machinery for the rest of the day.
Avoid alcohol for the rest of the day.
Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

How Long Will It Take?

About 10-15 minutes

Will It Hurt?

Yes, you will have discomfort during the test. Your throat will be sore. Also, you may feel bloated after the test.

Results

This test gives your doctor information about the health of your digestive system. The results can help to explain your symptoms. You and your doctor will talk about the results and your treatment plan.

Call Your Doctor

After the test, call your doctor if any of the following occur:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills
Severe abdominal pain
Hard, swollen abdomen
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Any change or increase in your original symptoms
Bloody or black tarry colored stools
Nausea and/or vomiting
Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
Bleeding

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

The American Gastroenterological Association http://www.gastro.org
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy http://www.asge.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Digestive Health Foundation http://www.cdhf.ca
Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php

References:

Davila M, Keeffe E. Complications of Upper Endoscopy. In: Feldman M, Friedman L, Sleisenger M. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2002:539-543.
Endoscopy. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/endoscopy/MY00138. Updated July 2008. Accessed July 27, 2009.
Pasricha PJ. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2000: 649-653.
Understanding upper endoscopy. American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy website. Available at: http://www.asge.org/patientinfoindex.aspx?id=378&terms=understanding+upper+endoscopy. Accessed July 27, 2009.
What is upper GI endoscopy? The American Gastroenterological Association website. Available at: http://www.gastro.org/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5388. Accessed July 27, 2009.
Your upper GI. Emory University School of Medicine website. Available at: http://medicine.emory.edu/gi/tests/pdfs/Your%20Upper%20GI%20Endoscopy%20At%20Emory.pdf. Updated May 2004. Accessed July 27, 2009.

Last reviewed September 2012 by Daus Mahnke, MD

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