What is an Upper Endoscopy?
The doctor looks at the lining of your food pipe (oesophagus), stomach and duodenum (first part of the small bowel).
The doctor will use a thin, bendable tube called an endoscope which has a camera attached. Your insides can then be seen on a video screen.
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The doctor may start by spraying your throat with a local anaesthetic. You will be given sedation to help you relax.
You’ll then lie on your left side, and your doctor will pass the tube into your mouth and down your food pipe (oesophagus), stomach and duodenum (small bowel leading from the stomach).
The endoscope does not cause you problems with breathing. Most patients find the test only a bit uncomfortable, and many patients fall asleep.
What are the risks of having this done?
There are some risks, which include:
(a) A tear (perforation) through the wall of the food pipe, stomach or duodenum
This is rare and may need surgery. There is also a risk of infection. This may result in a longer stay in hospital.
(b) Bleeding at a biopsy site or at the site where a polyp has been removed. This is usually minor and can usually be stopped through the endoscope. Rarely, surgery is needed to stop bleeding.
(c) Lung infection is uncommon and is due to vomit going into the lungs
(d) Your procedure may not be able to be finished due to problems inside your body or because of technical problems.
(e) There is a rare possibility that defects or disease may be missed.
(f) Other potential risks include a reaction to the sedation used and complications from heart or lung diseases.
(g) Death is possible due to complications of the procedure, but is extremely rare.
What should I watch for?
Tell your doctor immediately if you:
- Feel generally ill with or without headache, chills or muscle aches
- Have a high temperature/fever
- Have trouble swallowing
- Are dizzy, short of breath or feel faint
- Start to get sharp pains in the throat, chest or stomach or begin vomiting