Upper GI Endoscopy
This webpage will give you information about an upper GI
endoscopy. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or
other relevant health professional.
What is an upper GI endoscopy?
An upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is a procedure to look
at the inside of the oesophagus (gullet), stomach and duodenum
using a flexible telescope (see figure1). This procedure is
sometimes known as a gastroscopy.
Figure 1 - Areas examined by an upper GI endoscopy
Are there any alternatives to an upper GI endoscopy?
A barium meal is an x-ray test of the upper digestive
system.
A urea breath test can be used to detect a germ (helicobacter
pylori) that can cause stomach ulcers.
What does the procedure involve?
If appropriate, the endoscopist may offer you a sedative to help
you relax. An upper GI endoscopy involves placing a flexible
telescope (endoscope) into the back of your throat and down into
your stomach. From here the endoscope will pass on into your
duodenum.
The endoscopist will be able to look for problems in these
organs such as inflammation or ulcers. They will be able to perform
biopsies and take photographs to help make the diagnosis.
What complications can happen?
- Allergic reaction
- Breathing difficulties or heart irregularities
- Making a hole in the oesophagus or stomach
- Damage to teeth or bridgework
- Bleeding
- Incomplete procedure
How soon will I recover?
If you were given sedation, you will normally recover in about
an hour. You may feel a bit bloated for a few hours but this will
pass.
A member of the team will tell you what was found during the
endoscopy and will discuss with you any treatment or follow-up you
need. You should be able to go back to work the day after the
endoscopy.
Summary
An upper GI endoscopy is usually a safe and effective way of
finding out if you have a problem with the upper part of your
digestive system.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Simon Parsons DM FRCS (Gen. Surg.)
Illustrations: LifeART image copyright 2006 Lippincott Williams
& Wilkins. All rights reserved.
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO
Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
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You may not copy, print out, download or
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The information should not replace advice that
your relevant health professional would give you.
Hospitals offering this treatment
- Ashtead, Surrey, Ashtead Hospital
- Bingley, Yorkshire Clinic
- Bodmin, Bodmin NHS Treatment Centre
- Boston, Boston Treatment Centre
- Caterham, North Downs Hospital
- Chelmsford, Springfield Hospital
- Chorley, Euxton Hall Hospital
- Colchester, Oaks Hospital
- Doncaster, Park Hill Hospital
- Gloucester, Winfield Hospital
- Halesowen, West Midlands Hospital
- Hitchin, Pinehill Hospital
- Kettering, Woodand Hospital
- Middlesbrough, Tees Valley Treatment Centre
- Milton Keynes, Blakelands Treatment Centre
- North Tyneside, Cobalt Treatment Centre
- Nottinghamshire, Nottingham Hospital
- Ormskirk, Renacres Hospital
- Orpington, Bromley Private Patient Unit
- Peterborough, Fitzwilliam Hospital
- Preston, Fulwood hospital
- Reading, Berkshire Independent Hospital
- Reading, Reading Treatment Centre
- Salford, Oaklands Hospital
- Salisbury, New Hall Hospital
- Sawbridgeworth, Rivers Hospital
- Stafford, Rowley Hospital
- Torquay, Mount Stuart Hospital
- Truro, Duchy Hospital