Upper GI Endoscopy
Upper GI endoscopy is a procedure that uses a lighted, flexible endoscope to see and perform procedures inside the upper GI tract. The upper GI tract includes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum the first part of the small intestine.
What problems can upper GI endoscopy detect?
Upper GI endoscopy can detect:
- ulcers
- abnormal growths
- precancerous conditions
- bowel obstruction
- inflammation
- hiatal hernia
When is upper GI endoscopy used?
Upper GI endoscopy can be used to determine the cause of:
- abdominal pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- swallowing difficulties
- gastric reflux
- unexplained weight loss
- anemia
- bleeding in the upper GI tract
Upper GI endoscopy can be used to remove stuck objects, including food, and to treat conditions such as bleeding ulcers. It can also be used to biopsy tissue in the upper GI tract. During a biopsy, a small piece of tissue is removed for later examination with a microscope.
