Upper Endoscopy

Upper GI endoscopy is a procedure that uses a lighted, flexible endoscope to see inside the upper GI tract. The upper GI tract includes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum—the first part of the small intestine. Upper GI endoscopy can detect ulcers, abnormal growths, precancerous conditions, inflammation, and hiatal hernia. It can be used to determine the cause of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, swallowing difficulties, acid reflux, unexplained weight loss, anemia and bleeding in the upper GI tract.

Upper GI endoscopy can be used to remove stuck objects, including food, and to treat conditions such as bleeding ulcers. It can also be used to biopsy tissue in the upper GI tract. During a biopsy, a small piece of tissue is removed for later examination with a microscope.