This page 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 your oesophagus (gullet), stomach and duodenum using a flexible telescope (see figure 1). This procedure is sometimes known as a gastroscopy.

Figure 1 - Upper GI Endoscopy

Are There Any Alternatives to an Upper GI Endoscopy?

A barium meal is an x-ray test of your upper digestive system.

A urea breath test can be used to detect a germ (helicobacter pylori) that can cause stomach ulcers.

The Procedure

What Does an Upper GI Endoscopy Involve?

An upper GI endoscopy usually takes about 10 minutes.

If appropriate, the endoscopist may offer you a sedative to help you to relax.

The endoscopist will place a flexible telescope (endoscope) into the back of your throat and down into your stomach. From here the endoscope will pass into your duodenum.

The endoscopist will be able to look for problems such as inflammation or ulcers. They will be able to perform biopsies and take photographs to help make the diagnosis.

What Complications Can Happen?

  • Sore throat
  • Allergic reaction
  • Breathing difficulties or heart irregularities
  • Infection
  • Making a hole in your oesophagus, stomach or duodenum
  • Damage to teeth or bridgework
  • Bleeding
  • Incomplete procedure
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Following Surgery

How Soon Will I Recover?

If you were given a sedative, you will usually recover in about an hour. You may feel a bit bloated for a few hours but this will pass.

The healthcare team will tell you what was found during the endoscopy and discuss with you any treatment or follow-up you need.

You should be able to return to work the next day unless you are told otherwise.

Summary

An upper GI endoscopy is usually a safe and effective way of finding out if there is a problem with the upper part of your digestive system.

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Acknowledgements

Author: Prof Simon Parsons DM FRCS (Gen. Surg.)

Illustrations: Medical Illustration Copyright © Medical-Artist.com

The operation and treatment information on this website is published under license by New Victoria Hospital from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright laws. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any of the information. The information should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.

For more information about private Upper GI Endoscopy procedures at New Victoria Hospital, call 020 8949 9000 or fill out our enquiry form.

Consultants and Clinic Times

Ms Sala Abdalla

BSc MBBS FRCS (Gen Surg)
Specialities
General Surgery, Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery
Profile and clinic times

Mr Francesco Di Maggio

MBBS, MD, MChir
Specialities
General Surgery, Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery
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Professor Annette Fritscher-Ravens

MD PHD Medicine-gastroenterology
Specialities
Gastroenterology
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Professor Marcus Reddy

BSc(Pharm), MBBS, FRCS(Eng), FRCS(Gen)
Specialities
General Surgery, Weight Loss Surgery
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Dr Babu Vadamalayan

MBBS, MRCPCH (UK), DCH, MSc(Paeds)
Specialities
Gastroenterology, Paediatrics
Profile and clinic times
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