Upper Endoscopy Specialist

What is an upper endoscopy?

Upper endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that examines your upper digestive tract. During an upper endoscopy, your The Gastroenterology Group provider inserts an endoscope –– a thin tube with a bright light and a high-definition camera on its end –– down your throat into your esophagus.

The endoscope feeds real-time images to a video monitor in the exam room. Your provider looks at the monitor to assess the health of your esophagus and diagnose underlying issues like acid reflux or swallowing disorders.

What conditions can an upper endoscopy diagnose?

The Gastroenterology Group uses upper endoscopy to diagnose various conditions that affect the upper digestive system, including:

• Acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD)
• Cancerous and noncancerous tumors
• Celiac disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Swallowing disorders
• Peptic ulcers

The providers at the Gastroenterology Group also use upper endoscopy to diagnose inflammation, including esophagitis and gastritis.

How do I prepare for an upper endoscopy?

To ensure that your upper endoscopy goes smoothly, make sure you prepare in advance. The night before the procedure, consume only clear liquids like water, broth, or tea. Stop taking medicines that affect clotting or thin your blood, like aspirin. Your provider might also ask you to switch prescriptions if you take diabetes or high blood pressure drugs.

What does an upper endoscopy involve?

The Gastroenterology Group providers perform upper endoscopy in their state-of-the-art imaging facilities at the Digestive Health Center on an outpatient basis.

As your appointment begins, you lie down on your left side. Your provider administers an anesthetic through a needle into a vein. The anesthetic makes you drowsy, causing you to fall asleep.

Once you’re comfortable, your provider carefully inserts the endoscope through your mouth, into your esophagus and stomach. Your provider pumps air through the endoscope, making it easier to see your digestive tract and organs.

Your provider examines your upper digestive tract, looks for abnormalities, and takes a biopsy (tissue sample) if necessary. Afterward, they remove the endoscope and move you to a recovery room for observation. As the anesthesia wears off, you wake up, and a friend or family member drives you home.

At The Gastroenterology Group, most upper endoscopies take 10-20 minutes.

What is recovery like after upper endoscopy?

After an upper endoscopy, take the rest of the day off to rest and recuperate. Once the sedative wears off, you can experience a sore throat, a cough, or a hoarse voice. The Gastroenterology Group recommends eating soft foods, drinking ice water, and sucking on throat lozenges to reduce discomfort.

You’ll be able to return to work, exercise, and do other routine activities the next day.

To see if you can benefit from an upper endoscopy, make an appointment at The Gastroenterology Group by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.