Upper GI Endoscopy With Biopsy
Upper GI endoscopy is a test that looks inside your upper GI (gastrointestinal) tract. This includes your food pipe (esophagus), stomach, and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). The test is done using a tool called an endoscope. This is a long, flexible tube with a tiny camera at one end. The test helps find problems such as ulcers, infections, or growths. It can check for celiac disease, gastritis, and esophagitis. During the test, tissue samples (biopsies) may be taken.
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| With the aid of an endoscope, the doctor can view the inside of the upper GI tract and also take small tissue samples. |
Getting ready for your procedure
Follow any instructions from your doctor.
Tell your doctor about any medicines you are taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and other supplements. You may need to stop taking some or all of these before the test.
Follow any directions you’re given for not eating or drinking before the test.
The day of the procedure
The procedure takes about 20 minutes. You'll go home the same day.
Before the procedure begins
You may be given medicine to help you relax or sleep (sedation). This is given through an IV line placed in a vein in your arm or hand. Your throat may be numbed with a spray or liquid. A small plastic guard will protect your teeth. You'll be given oxygen to breathe through small prongs that fit just inside your nose. You'll be connected to a machine to watch your heartbeat.
During the procedure
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You lie on your left side. The endoscope is placed in your mouth and moved down your throat.
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Air is used to expand your GI tract. This makes the area easier to see. You may feel pressure or mild pain from the air.
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The scope sends pictures of your GI tract to a computer screen.
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Problems may be seen and treated. These include bleeding, redness or swelling (inflammation), or growths. Using tools passed through the endoscope, small samples of tissue (biopsy) can be taken. In some cases, small growths can be removed.
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The endoscope is then removed.
After the procedure
You’ll rest and be monitored as the sedative wears off and until you can go home. You'll need someone to drive you. Relax for the rest of the day. The doctor will talk with you later about the results.
Recovering at home
You’ll likely feel drowsy after the test. A mild sore throat, mild gas, and bloating are normal. After you're home, follow any instructions you've been given. If you had sedation, don't drive, run machinery, or make major decisions until the next day.
When to contact your doctor
Contact your doctor if you have:
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A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your doctor.
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Shaking chills.
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Chest pain.
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Dark-colored stools.
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Severe belly pain that doesn't go away when passing gas.
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Sore throat that doesn’t go away.
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Trouble swallowing.
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Vomiting, especially with blood.
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Any other signs or symptoms noted by your doctor.
Follow-up care
If you had a biopsy, the results will be ready in about 7 days. Your doctor will talk with you about any more testing or treatment that you may need.
Risks and possible complications
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Sore throat or hoarseness
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Bloating
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Nausea
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Allergic reaction to the sedative or numbing medicine
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Bleeding during or after the procedure
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Too much bleeding from the biopsy site (if a biopsy is done)
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A hole or tear in the lining of the digestive tract
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Inhaling food or fluid into the lungs
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Irregular heartbeat or cardiac arrest in someone with heart or lung disease