Upper Endoscopy

Upper endoscopy is the visual examination of the lining of the esophagus (food pipe), stomach and a portion of the duodenum (beginning of the small intestine).  This is done by inserting a flexible endoscope through the mouth opening, and then carefully maneuvered through the mentioned structures.  Depending on the findings on the exam, biopsies may be obtained.  Certain therapeutic maneuvers may be used to stop bleeding sites using electrical cautery and other techniques.  The procedure is done while the patient is under sedation and monitored by an anesthesiologist.  Prior to the procedure, the patient is required to fast for 8 hours.

An upper endoscopy is often done to evaluate for a variety of diseases and symptoms.  These include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Chronic acid reflux disease or suspected Barrett's esophagus
• Suspected ulcer disease of the stomach or duodenum
• Suspected bacterial infection such as Helicobacter pylori
• Suspected Celiac disease

• Unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding
• Unexplained iron deficiency anemia
• Unexplained chronic diarrhea