Upper Endoscopy: What Can It Diagnose and When Do You Need One?
If you experience persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, upper abdominal pain, or other upper digestive symptoms, your gastroenterologist may recommend an upper endoscopy.
An upper endoscopy, also known as an EGD or esophagogastroduodenoscopy, allows your doctor to directly examine the upper portion of your digestive tract.
Understanding why an upper endoscopy is performed and what it can detect can make the procedure feel much less intimidating.
What Is an Upper Endoscopy?
An upper endoscopy is a procedure used to examine the lining of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
During the procedure, a thin, flexible instrument with a small camera is carefully passed through the mouth to examine the:
Esophagus
Stomach
First portion of the small intestine, known as the duodenum
Patients are typically sedated during the procedure for comfort.
Why Would a Gastroenterologist Order an Upper Endoscopy?
An upper endoscopy may be recommended to investigate persistent or unexplained symptoms.
These can include:
Frequent heartburn or acid reflux
Difficulty or pain with swallowing
Persistent upper abdominal pain
Nausea or vomiting
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Unexplained anemia
Persistent indigestion
Certain abnormalities identified through other testing
Your gastroenterologist will determine whether an upper endoscopy is appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors.
What Can an Upper Endoscopy Detect?
Because an upper endoscopy allows the physician to directly examine the digestive tract, it can help identify a number of gastrointestinal conditions.
These may include:
Esophagitis
Gastritis
Peptic ulcers
Barrett's esophagus
Areas of inflammation
Narrowing of the esophagus
Sources of upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Other abnormalities of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum
Biopsies may also be taken during the procedure when additional laboratory examination is needed.
Can an Upper Endoscopy Diagnose GERD?
GERD is often diagnosed based on symptoms and medical history, and not every patient with acid reflux needs an upper endoscopy.
However, an endoscopy may be recommended in certain situations to evaluate the esophagus for inflammation, damage, Barrett's esophagus, or other conditions.
Your gastroenterologist will determine whether the procedure is necessary based on your individual symptoms.
How Is an Upper Endoscopy Different From a Colonoscopy?
The two procedures examine different areas of the digestive system.
An upper endoscopy examines the esophagus, stomach, and beginning of the small intestine.
A colonoscopy examines the large intestine, or colon, and rectum.
Depending on your symptoms and screening needs, your gastroenterologist may recommend one procedure or, in some cases, both.
How Long Does an Upper Endoscopy Take?
The procedure itself is generally relatively short, although you should plan additional time for check-in, preparation, sedation, and recovery.
Because sedation is commonly used, patients generally need someone to accompany them home and should follow all post-procedure instructions provided by their medical team.
Where Does Dr. Beyda Perform Upper Endoscopy Procedures?
Dr. David Beyda sees patients for gastroenterology consultations at his Fresh Meadows, Queens office.
When an upper endoscopy is recommended, Dr. Beyda performs procedures at Rego Park Endoscopy Center, a dedicated ambulatory surgery center for gastrointestinal procedures in Rego Park, Queens.
If you have persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, upper abdominal discomfort, or other ongoing digestive symptoms, schedule a consultation with Dr. Beyda to determine whether an upper endoscopy or another evaluation may be appropriate.