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Upper GI Endoscopy for Esophageal disease

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An Upper GI Endoscopy is used to look at the upper digestive tract with a small camera.

To name a few, following diseases can be diagnosed:

  • Gastritis
  • Gastric or duodenal Ulcer
  • GERD (Gastro-esophageal reflux disease)
  • Hiatal hernia
  • Cancer of stomach & food-pipe
Whenever you are suffering from symptoms such as acidity, gas, heartburn you should consult a doctor. The doctor will advise an UGIE, if appropriate.
Before an upper endoscopy, do not eat or drink(even water) anything for at least 5-6 hours.

You are allowed to take your regular morning doses of medicines for high blood pressure & thyroid problems. However, morning medicines/insulin for diabetes should not be taken, as you will be fasting.

 

On the day of your procedure:

  • The procedure will be performed by an experienced doctor.
  • You should hand-over your belongings e.g. wallet, eye-glasses, jewellery etc. to the accompanying friend or family member.
  • Dentures will be removed prior to procedure.
  • A small needle (IV cannula) will be placed over your forearm, which will be used to give sedative medicines during the procedure. A local anaesthetic (in the form of a spray or liquid) can be applied to the back of the throat if the procedure is being performed without sedation.
  • You’re going to feel comfortable and drowsy.
  • There will be a mouthpiece put in your mouth.
  • During the procedure, you will lie on your left side.
  • The doctor inserts the endoscope(small camera) into your mouth, into your esophagus (the “food pipe” that leads into your stomach from your mouth) and into your stomach. Your breathing will not be affected by the endoscope.
  • The doctor may take a biopsy during the procedure if required. The biopsy helps the doctor to diagnose
  • H.Pylori infection
  • Polyp
  • Gastritis
  • Barrett mucosa
  • Celiac disease
  • Cancer

No, the procedure is painless.

  • For around half an hour, you’ll sit in a recovery room.
  • For a little while, you can feel soreness in your throat. Lozenges can be beneficial.
  • Some individuals feel nauseated or bloated as well.
  • The doctor will discuss the findings of the procedure & further plan of treatment.
  • The doctor will discuss if a biopsy is taken. The report is available usually within 5-7 days.

An RUT test is performed to detect the presence of H.Pylori bacteria. If the ‘yellow dot’ on the slide changes colour to ‘Pink’ at 24 hours, then the test is considered to be positive.

The procedure is very safe, however, few of the risks of an upper endoscopy are: bleeding, perforation of the upper digestive system, and abnormal reaction to the medicines used for sedation.

 

Oh, no. You have been given a sedative injection. So, to drive you home after the endoscopy, you will need to bring a responsible adult with you. You should not drive or operate machinery for the rest of the day of the procedure to ensure that the sedative effects have worn off.
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Dr. Harsh J Shah

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