Upper Endoscopy
An upper endoscopy allows a doctor to examine the lining of the upper part of the GI tract, including the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (the first portion of the small intestine). The doctor uses a thin, flexible tube fitted with a lens and light source and views the images on a video monitor.
Upper endoscopy can be used to:
- Evaluate symptoms of persistent upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or difficulty swallowing
- Find the cause of bleeding from the upper GI tract
- Detect inflammation, ulcers and tumors of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum
- Remove tissue samples or collect cells for further analysis
- Treat certain conditions of the upper GI tract by passing instruments through the endoscope to directly treat many abnormalities