What is an upper endoscopy and how does it work?

A doctor may use an upper endoscopy to examine the inner linings of the upper digestive tract (the stomach, esophagus and duodenum). This test is also sometimes called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EGD.

An endoscope is a flexible, thin tube that has a light on one end and a small camera on the other. The tube is inserted through your mouth and down your throat into your stomach, small intestine, and stomach. It could be colon cancer treatment.

What is the purpose of an upper endoscopy and why do you need it?

This test can help to identify the cause of any problems in your stomach, esophagus or duodenum. This test may be performed if you have symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, heartburn or feeling full quickly. It might also be necessary to examine an abnormal area on an imaging test (e.g., an x-ray)

An endoscopic ultrasound can include upper endoscopy to examine the walls of the digestive system and any structures that may be nearby. If there is a tumor, such as in the stomach wall or esophagus, the ultrasound can show the extent of its growth and whether it may have reached nearby lymph nodes. Endoscopic ultrasound can be used from the small intestine to examine the gallbladder, pancreas and bile ducts. It could be colon cancer treatment.

An endoscope with a tiny ultrasound probe at its tip is used to perform this test. The probe is passed into the stomach and can be pointed in various directions to view the walls, lymph nodes, and other structures. The ultrasound emits sound waves and detects the echos that bounce off these structures. These echoes are then converted into an image on a computer monitor. A hollow needle can be passed through an endoscope to examine suspicious areas, such as large lymph nodes. It could be colon cancer treatment.

Upper endoscopy may be combined with x-rays in order to examine and sometimes treat problems within the pancreas or bile ducts.

An endoscope is used to test the test. The tube (or small catheter) is passed through the endoscope into the common bile drain. A small amount of contrast dye is then injected through this catheter. As x-rays are taken, the dye helps to outline the bile ducts and pancreatic tubes. It can also show blockages. During an ERCP, the doctor may also take tissue and fluid samples. There is something suspicious about your area. It could be colon cancer treatment.

Upper endoscopy is used to collect biopsy samples from the stomach, esophagus and small intestine. This can be done in order to determine if there are any cancerous areas. To collect the samples, long thin instruments such as pincers or forceps are passed through the endoscope. The lab then examines the samples.

There is a problem with your digestive system that must be addressed

What is it like to have an Upper Endoscopy?

These are some of the most common things that happen before, during and after upper endoscopy. Your experience may vary depending on the reason you are having the test and where it is being done. Talk to your doctor before you have this test to make sure you know what to expect and to ask any questions you may have.

Before the test

Make sure you tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take, as well as any allergies.

It is possible that you will be asked to stop using blood-thinning medications (including aspirin) for several days prior to the test. Most likely, you will be asked to stop eating or drinking for at least a few hours before the procedure. Follow the instructions and ask questions if you aren’t sure.

You will need to arrange for a ride home as a sedative is prescribed to make you feel more comfortable during the test. If you feel dizzy or sleepy, you might need to be accompanied home by someone. Many centers won’t allow you to take a taxi or ridesharing service home. Talk to your doctor about transportation options if you have concerns. Depending on your situation, there may be other options for getting home.

Take the test

You will be asked to lie down on your back or side on an examination table for this test. You might have your mouth and throat sprayed with a numbing medication first. or you may be given a liquid medicine to use and asked to swallow it.  Make you feel relaxed, you might be administered a sedative via an intravenous line (IV). You might fall asleep under general anesthesia for the test. A mouthpiece might be used to keep your mouth open during the procedure. Your breathing will not be affected by the scope being passed through your throat. To make it easier to see, air is often injected into the stomach through a scope. However, it can take longer depending on the extent of the work being done.

After test the colon cancer treatment

We will be closely monitored after the procedure to ensure you have no complications. They might forget the procedure if you were given sedatives.

You might feel bloated, crampy or irritable after the. Procedure because air is sometimes injected into your stomach.

For a few hours, your mouth and throat may be numb. You will not be allowed to eat and drink until the numbness has subsided. After the numbness wears off, you might experience a sore throat or cough for the next few days.

You will be able to return home if you were an outpatient. However, you may need a ride because of the anesthesia or medicines you received. You should get specific instructions from your doctor or nurse regarding what you can do and cannot do during the recovery period.

The results of biopsies that were performed as part the procedure will usually. Be available within a few business days. However, some tests that were done on biopsy samples may take longer. To get your results, you will need to see your doctor again after the procedure.

• Upper endoscopy complications
• Although upper endoscopy can be performed safely, there are some risks.
• Bleeding at a site where tissue samples were removed by a doctor
• Perforation (puncture), of the lining in the digestive tract
• Anesthesia reactions

Most bleeding is minor and resolves on its own. However, if it persists, treatment may be necessary. Perforations may require surgery.

Your doctor or nurse will give you instructions about when to call for help before you leave the hospital. Make sure you know when to call.