The Benefits of an Upper GI Endoscopy

MIAMI, March 28, 2018 (Newswire.com) - Upper GI Endoscopy, sometimes called EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), is a visual examination of the upper intestinal tract using a lighted, flexible, fiber-optic endoscope. The upper gastrointestinal tract begins with the mouth and continues with the esophagus (food pipe) which carries food to the stomach. The stomach secretes a potent acid and churns food into small particles. The food then enters the duodenum, or small bowel, where bile from the liver and digestive fluid from the pancreas mix to help the digestive process, according to the Center for Digestive Medicine.

Reasons for an Exam

Due to factors related to diet, environment, heredity, and infection, the upper Gi tract is the site of numerous disorders. Upper GI endoscopy helps in diagnosing and often in treating these conditions:

• Ulcers, which can develop in the esophagus, stomach or duodenum and occasionally can be malignant. 
• Tumors of the stomach or esophagus. 
• Difficulty in swallowing. 
• Upper abdominal pain or indigestion.
• Intestinal bleeding, hidden or massive bleeding can occur for various reasons.
• Esophagitis and heartburn, chronic inflammation of the esophagus due to a back up of stomach acid and digestive fluids. 
• Gastritis, inflammation of the lining of the stomach. 

Preparation for the Exam

It is important not to eat anything for at least eight hours before the exam. Before the exam, a physician will provide instructions about the use of regular medications, including blood thinners and high blood pressure medications.

A companion must accompany the patient to the examination. The patient will be given medications to sedate them during the procedure, and they will need someone to take them home. Driving an automobile is not allowed after the procedure. Even though a patient may not feel tired, their reflexes and judgment may not be normal.

What Patients Should Expect During a Procedure

Upper GI endoscopy is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. Intravenous sedation is typically given to relax the patient, depress the gag reflex and even cause short-term amnesia. For some individuals who can relax on their own and whose gagging can be controlled, the exam is done without intravenous medications. For others, deep sedation, where the patient is completely asleep, is utilized. The endoscope is then gently inserted into the upper esophagus. You will be able to breathe easily throughout the exam. Other instruments can be passed through the scope to perform additional procedures if necessary. For example, a biopsy can be done to obtain a small tissue specimen for microscopic analysis. A polyp or tumor can be removed using a thin wire snare and electrocautery (electrical heat).

The exam takes from 15 to 30 minutes, after which patients will be taken to the recovery area. The procedure is usually pain-free, and patients seldom remember much about it. 

Results of the Exam

After the exam, the physician explains the results. If the effects of the sedatives are prolonged, the physician may suggest an appointment for a later date when the patient can fully understand and remember the results. If a biopsy has been performed or a polyp removed, the results will not be available for three to seven days.

Benefits of Upper GI Endoscopy

An upper GI endoscopy is performed primarily to identify and/or correct a problem in the upper gastrointestinal tract. This means the test enables a diagnosis to be made upon which specific treatment can be given.

Alternative Testing

Alternative tests to upper GI endoscopy include a barium X-ray and ultrasound (sonogram) to study the organs in the upper abdomen. These exams, however, do not allow for direct viewing of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, removing of polyps or taking of biopsies. In addition, a study of the stools or blood can provide indirect information about a gastrointestinal condition. 

About the Center for Digestive Medicine: 

The Center for Digestive Medicine is the premier gastroenterology and hepatology (liver disease) practice serving the Miami-Dade, Florida area that comprises three physicians and three ARNP’s with a clinic and an Office based endoscopy center within the same location for your convenience. Our providers utilize the most advanced equipment, current techniques, and medications to treat all aspects of gastroenterology related diseases including but not limited to: colon cancer screening, treatment of disease of the liver and pancreas, management of GERD, inflammatory bowel syndromes such as Chron's and ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Source: Center for Digestive Medicine